New Study Finds Vegetarian Diet Reduces Heart Disease Risk Factors
In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers have found that following a vegetarian diet can significantly reduce the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
The systematic review included a meta-analysis of 29 articles and screened a total of 7,871 records. The results showed that consuming a vegetarian diet was associated with significant reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and body weight in patients with or at high risk of CVD.
The study revealed that individuals who followed a vegetarian diet had a decrease in LDL-C levels by 6.6 mg/dL, which is significant when compared to those who followed a usual diet. Furthermore, LDL-C was found to be lowered by 12.9 mg/dL in individuals on a vegetarian diet compared to a usual diet.
Moreover, the review demonstrated that a vegetarian diet also led to a decrease in HbA1C by 0.24%. This effect was particularly pronounced in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, there was no statistically significant effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) observed with vegetarian diets.
Additionally, body weight was found to decrease by an average of 3.4 kg in individuals following a vegetarian diet. The greatest reduction in weight was seen in people at high risk of CVD. Participants following a vegetarian diet also significantly reduced their energy intake in comparison to those on a usual diet.
The study authors emphasized the importance of conducting well-designed nutrition clinical trials to further investigate the effects of high-quality vegetarian diets in combination with optimal pharmacological therapy in individuals with cardiovascular diseases.
These findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of a vegetarian diet in reducing the risk factors associated with heart diseases. Individuals with or at high risk of CVD could consider adopting a vegetarian diet to manage their condition more effectively. However, it is important to consult with healthcare professionals and nutritionists to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet.
For more information on the study and its findings, visit Heartland Magazine, your trusted source for health and well-being news.
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