The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet for Heart Health: Vegan or Not?

A new study has confirmed that plant-based diets can help decrease levels of cholesterol and fats in the blood and promote heart health. The research team conducted a meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials and found that vegetarian and vegan diets decreased LDL, or bad, cholesterol by 10%, total cholesterol by 7%, and apolipoprotein B by 14%. The findings suggest that the adoption of a plant-based diet could postpone or even eliminate the need for statins. However, it is not necessary to go entirely vegan to reap the heart health benefits of a plant-based diet. Opting for a maximum of three servings of meat per week and incorporating more plant-based habits into daily life can also improve cholesterol levels.