A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of São Paulo and Imperial College London found that while a plant-based diet overall promotes heart health, the consumption of ultra-processed vegan foods can increase the risk of heart-related deaths. Ultra-processed foods, which include packaged goods, drinks, cereals, and ready-to-eat products, are typically high in sugar, saturated fat, and salt, and lack essential nutrients such as fiber and vitamins. This study assessed the diets of over 118,000 Brits aged 40 to 69, revealing that increasing plant-based food intake from ultra-processed sources was linked to a 12% rise in heart-related deaths.
Lead study author Fernanda Rauber explained that the composition and processing methods of ultra-processed vegan foods can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol, potentially causing oxidative stress and inflammation. Co-author Dr. Eszter Vamos warned against the deceptive marketing of plant-based products as healthy, emphasizing that the study indicates plant-based ultra-processed foods do not have protective health effects and are associated with poor health outcomes. The researchers recommend analyzing the processing methods of plant-based foods before making dietary choices.
The findings of the study suggest that replacing plant-based ultra-processed foods with whole foods can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. When plant-based ultra-processed foods were substituted with whole foods rich in nutrients, deaths from heart disease decreased by 15%, and the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease decreased by 7%. Published in Lancet Regional Health, this study is the first to specifically highlight the cardiovascular risk associated with plant-based ultra-processed foods. The authors recommend that nutritional guidelines promoting plant-based diets should include a warning to avoid ultra-processed foods.
While the study highlights the cardiovascular risks linked to popular meat alternatives, independent scientists caution that some plant-based ultra-processed foods, such as bread and pastries, may not be essential for a healthy diet. Dietitian Duane Mellor of the British Dietetic Association emphasized the importance of a balanced diet rich in whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. He clarified that just because a food is technically plant-based, it may not necessarily be healthy. The study raises concerns regarding the public perception of plant-based foods, calling for greater awareness of the distinction between processed and whole plant-based foods.
In light of the study’s findings, the authors suggest that dietary guidelines promoting plant-based diets should emphasize the importance of consuming whole foods rather than ultra-processed alternatives. It is crucial for individuals transitioning to plant-based diets to avoid processed foods and opt for fresh plant-based options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. By making these dietary choices, individuals can reduce their risk of heart disease and cardiovascular-related deaths. The study serves as a reminder for the public to be mindful of their food choices and prioritize whole, nutrient-rich foods for better overall health.
