New study reveals plant based diets are associated to better health

Waking up this morning to hear from a colleague that Channel Nine here in Australia had promoted and published a study on vegan and vegetarian diets didn’t fill us with much confidence (based on past experience). However, to our delight, the news channel cited a study that broadly stated, “Plant-based diets seem to be associated with better health outcomes” compared to those of meat eaters.

While we are the first to admit that you can’t take all studies at face value, it’s certainly nice to see the mainstream media promoting a positive message about the plant-based lifestyle.

So, what did this study have to say?

Study Aim

What did the study find?

The study found that overall, vegetarian and vegan diets are significantly associated with better lipid profile, glycemic control, body weight/BMI, inflammation, and lower risk of ischemic heart disease and cancer.

Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarian diet is also associated with lower mortality from CVDs. On the other hand, no difference in the risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertension were reported in pregnant women following vegetarian diets. Study quality was average.

Limitations

A key limitation is represented by the high heterogeneity of the study population in terms of sample size, demography, geographical origin, dietary patterns, and other lifestyle confounders.

Study Conclusion

Plant Based Diets

Plant-based diets appear beneficial in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as CVDs, cancer risk and mortality.

Study Caution

However, caution should be paid before broadly suggesting the adoption of A/AFPDs since the strength-of-evidence of study results is significantly limited by the large study heterogeneity alongside the potential risks associated with potentially restrictive regimens.

Study Credits

Study Links

To see the full study, visit the link here.

Study Location

Editor: Melissa Orlandin Premaor, Federal University of Minas Gerais: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, BRAZIL.

Publish Dates

Received: January 8, 2024; Accepted: March 4, 2024; Published: May 15, 2024.

Final Thoughts

We encourage anyone who may be interested in vegan living or vegetarian diets to take a deep dive into the full study which can be found here, and as always be sure to do your own research and seek professional medical advice before embarking on any dietary changes.

Plant Based Diets

If you would like to learn more about the plant-based diet and nutrition, visit our nutrition section here.

LGV!