June 11th 2024.
The rise of plant-based diets has been a hot topic in recent years, with many touting its numerous health benefits. However, a new study conducted by Sao Paulo University and Imperial College London has shed light on the potential risks of following a vegan diet that is high in ultra-processed foods.
The study, which analyzed over 118,000 individuals between the ages of 40 and 69, found that consuming a diet rich in ultra-processed vegan foods increased the risk of cardiovascular disease by 5%, and the risk of death from CVD by 12%. CVD, or cardiovascular disease, is a term used to describe a variety of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, and can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
It's important to note that not all vegan food is created equal. While a plant-based diet can consist of a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains, it can also include processed options such as plant-based meat alternatives, biscuits, chips, and crisps. In order to understand the effects of these highly-processed foods on CVD risk, researchers followed up with participants after an average of nine years and found that those who consumed more ultra-processed vegan foods had a higher risk of CVD and death.
However, the study also revealed some promising findings. For every 10% increase in non-ultra processed plant-based foods, there was a 20% decrease in deaths from heart disease. This highlights the importance of incorporating fresh, whole plant-based foods into a vegan diet, rather than relying solely on processed options.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Fernanda Rauber, noted that ultra-processed vegan foods could potentially lead to an increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. She also pointed out that the additives and contaminants present in these foods could cause oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to the risks.
Co-author Dr. Eszter Vamos from Imperial College London emphasized the benefits of whole plant-based foods, stating that they have been linked to improved health and environmental benefits. On the other hand, the study suggests that ultra-processed plant-based foods do not have the same protective effects and may be linked to poor health outcomes.
But what exactly qualifies as ultra-processed food? These are foods that are typically high in energy, added sugar, saturated fat, and salt, and contain various additives like colors, emulsifiers, and flavors. Some examples of ultra-processed plant-based foods include ice cream, sausages, pastries, cakes, and carbonated drinks.
While the study does raise some concerns about the potential risks of consuming ultra-processed plant-based foods, it's important to note that these foods only make up a small portion (0.5%) of all plant-based options. Dietitian Dr. Duane Mellor reminds us that just because a food is technically plant-based, it does not automatically mean it is healthy. Foods such as biscuits, chips, and soft drinks may be plant-based, but they are not necessarily essential for a healthy diet.
Professor Peter Scarborough of the University of Oxford also weighed in on the study, stating that it is difficult to conclude that plant-based meat alternatives are bad for our health based on the findings. It's important to consider the sources of ultra-processed plant-based foods and focus on incorporating more whole, nutritious options into our diets.
In conclusion, while plant-based diets have gained popularity for their potential health benefits, it's important to be mindful of the types of foods we are consuming. By prioritizing whole, plant-based foods and limiting our intake of ultra-processed options, we can lower our risk of developing cardiovascular disease and improve our overall health.
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