- A New Study Finds That While Many Plant-Based Foods Are Healthy for The Heart, Many Are Not.
- The Study Concluded That Eating A Diet High in Unhealthy Plant-Based Foods Was Associated With A Higher Level of a Key Heart Attack Biomarker.
- Plant-Based Meat Substitutes Can Be High In Sodium and Heavily Processed, Both of Which Are Unhealthy for The Heart.
A New Study Confirms that Healthy Plant-Based Foods Can Be beneficial for the head. However, not all plant-based foods qualify as Healthy, and the study finds that those foods can be just as Damaging to the Heart As Their Non-Plant-Based Counterparts.
The Authors of the Study Assessed Associations Between Plant Diets of Various Qualities and a Trio of Critical Cardiac Biomarkers.
For Many People Who Choose Not To Eat Animal-Based Foods for Moral Reasons, The Potential Health Benefits of A Plant-Based Diet May Be Considered Happy Byproduct or Even A Reward. The Study Suggests that This is not necessary incorrect, as long as considered the rules that apply to healthy eating in general Also apply to plant-base Foods.
The Study, driving by Researchers at Johns Hopkins University, Analyzed Data from 7,708 participants in the 1999–2004
During During Interviews Taken Thourout The Nhanes Survey, Participants reported their food intake for a previous 24-Hour period, as Blood samples were taken to measure the relief biomarkers.
This Study’s Biomarkers of concern Were Cardiac Troponin T, Cardiac Troponin I, and N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide. Troponins Are Indicators of Cardiac Muscle Damage, which is a sign of myocardial infarcation or heart Attack. The peptide is Associated with Heart Failure.
Up to 50% of individuals with not Apparent History of Cardiac Issues have subclinical Levels of troponins. While these Levels are not of immediate concerns, they may be interpreted to warning sign of potential future issues.
The Refrachers used the US Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramid equals 2.0 Database to Sort Each reported Food into one of three categories:
- Healthy Plant-Based Food
- Unhealthy Plant-Based Food
- Animal-Based Food.
The Analysis Reveared That Adherence to a Healthy Plant-Based Diet Was Associated with at 49% Lower Likeliofo of Having Elevated LEVELS OF CARDIAC TROPONIN I.
People Following An Unhealthy Plant-Based Diet Had at 65% Greater Chance of Elevated Levels of Cardiac Troponin I.
The Authors of the Study Found No Strong Association with Eithy Healthy or Unhealthy Plant-Based Foods and Cardiac Troponin T or N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide.
The Study is published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
Is plant-base Meat Healthier than Animal Products?
“Plant-Based Foods are not Automatically Healthier Than Animal-Product-Based Counterparts,” Said Michelle Routhenstein, Who is a registered Dieitian Specializing in Heart Disease.
“While Many Plant-Based Diets Can Reduces Cardiovascular Risk Due to Their Nutritional Profile, Such As Being Low In Saturated Fat, High in Fiber, High in Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Antioxidants, Not All Plant-Based Foods Share BeSe Benefits,” She Added.
Jayne Morgan, MD, Cardiologist at Hello Heart, Poleded Out that “Meat Substitutes are Frequent Unhealthy Culprits Hidden Within Plant-Based Diets, and Can Ultimate Be Quite High in Sodium, Additives, and Saturated Fats, Offen From Coconut Oil.
“Coconut Oil or Palm Oil Are Often Added for Texture. You Morgan Said.
Routhenstein Noted That these saturated fats can potentially Promote insulin resistance as well.
How much is in plant-based meat?
“Further, many plant-base Meats are heavily seasonon to mimic meat flavors. PROCESSED PLANT BURGER COULD HAVE 400–600 MG OF SODIUM! ”
– Jayne Morgan, MD
The Issue with Processsed Food, Regardless of Source
“Sub-based substitutes may be Highly Processsed,” Routhenstein Said, “and Include Ingredients That Can Ultimate Harm Heart Health. This Applies Regardless of Whether The Food is plant-based.”
“The Level of Processing is a Critical Factoring in Detering How Healthy They Are For Your Heart,” Cautioned Morgan. “WHEN IT COMES TO HEART HEALTH, IT’S NOT JUSTROT WHAT YOU EAT, BUT ALSO HOW PROCESSED THE FOOD IS.”
“Bottom Line, Highly ProcessSed Foods-WHETHER PLANT-BASED OR ANIMAL-BASED-TEN WORLSE FOR HEART HEALTH THAN WHOE OR MINIMALL PROCESSED FOODS.”
– Jayne Morgan, MD
Processing May include Additives Such as Methylceluose, Modified Starches, Carrageenan, and Gums That May Trigger Inflammation or Gut Issues Impacting the Microbiome.
Processing Also Takes Away Benefits Components of Natural Foods Such As Ioted Proteins, Diminishing The Nutritional Profile of Whole Food Sources Such As Lentils Or Beans.
What does a Healthy Plant-Based Diet Look Like?
“The Goal,” Stated Morgan, “Is To Always Maximize Nutrients That Protect the Heart.”
If you are looking to replace animal proteins, routhenstein said to “look for foods low in saturated fat and sodium, with minimal additives and preservatives. Choose Whole food ingredients that are rich in protein, fiber, and phytonutrients to Meet Your Goals – Such As Beans Legumes, Tofu, and Tempeh. “
Tovoid Processsed Foods, “Be on the alert for long ingredient lists full of additives or ‘natural flavorings.’ In Fact, The Word ‘Natural’ is off at Red Flag, ” Morgan Warned.
“Choose Unsalted or Lightly Salted Options Whenever Possible. Seek Pickling Foods, IE, Whole Foods – and Remember that Fiber Helps to Lower Cholesterol. Lentils, Chickpeas, And Black Beans Are Good Options. Avoid Coconut or Palm Oils, Saturated Fats, Sodium, and Additives. ”
– Jayne Morgan, MD
