High cholesterol contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. A study published in the European Heart Journal analyzed 30 studies that linked diet type with lower cholesterol levels.
According to a study report, a lean and vegan diet was associated with reduced concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B.
High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of cholesterol-fatty deposits in the arteries. If a blood clot forms and blocks one of these narrowed arteries, a heart attack or stroke can result.
“Plant-based diets have the potential to reduce the atherosclerotic burden of atherogenic lipoproteins and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease,” notes a report in the European Heart Journal.
The researchers said that plant-based diets tend to be lower in saturated fatty acids, cholesterol and total fat, which can affect people’s cholesterol levels.
The team analyzed involved nearly 2,400 participants in 10 countries, including the US: participants were between the ages of 28 and 67, on average.
The American Heart Association says eating less red meat is an important part of a “heart-healthy diet” to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In the United States, nearly 2 out of 5 adults have high cholesterol. “Too much cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, the two leading causes of death in the United States,” reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The World Health Organization shares that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming approximately 17.9 million lives each year.
Keep reading:
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Keto and paleo diets are the worst for your heart
