The benefits of a plant-based diet have been highlighted in a new review published in the journal BMC Medicine, indicating that replacing animal-based foods with plant-based options can reduce the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The review, which analyzed 37 earlier studies and was led by Sabrina Schlesinger from the German Diabetes Center, found that swapping out 50 grams of processed meat for 28-50 grams of nuts per day resulted in a 27% reduction in the overall incidence of heart disease, and a 22% reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes. The study also found similar results when swapping processed meat for legumes, indicating that these plant-based options may have significant health benefits.
While the review does not show a causal link between diet and disease, it does offer possible explanations for these trends – processed meats contain saturated fatty acids which increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, while nuts, legumes, and whole grains contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that are linked to reducing inflammation.
Registered dietician Duane Mellor, who was not involved in the research, emphasized that simply switching animal-based products for plant-based products does not automatically result in a healthy diet, and that it is important to consider the culinary and cultural implications of making these swaps.
While the review’s findings do not present entirely novel findings, they highlight the potential health advantages of incorporating more plant-based foods into the diet. However, it is important to note that any dietary changes should be done carefully to ensure all necessary nutrients are still being consumed.
Overall, the review offers further evidence to support the health benefits of plant-based diets, and it is something to be considered when making dietary choices alongside other lifestyle factors, such as exercise and smoking.