Are all vegetarian diets healthy?

Date:
August 27, 2020
Source:
European Society of Cardiology
Summary:
Vegetarian foods are not equally healthy, according to new research.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Vegetarian foods are not equally healthy, according to research presented
today at ESC Congress 2020.


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"Our study highlights the variable nutritional quality of plant foods,"
said author Dr. Matina Kouvari of Harokopio University, Athens,
Greece. "This finding was more evident in women. Prior research has
shown that women tend to eat more plant-based foods and less animal-based products than men. But our study suggests that this does not guarantee healthier food choices and in turn better health status." Most dietary
studies define plant-based diets simply as "vegetarian" or "low in meat," thereby treating all plant foods as equal. The unique aspect of this study
was that it examined the type of plant-based foods consumed, in addition
to the overall amount. Healthy plant-based products were principally the
least processed foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts,
olive oil, and tea/coffee. Unhealthy plant-based products consisted of
juices, sweetened beverages, refined grains, potatoes, and any kind of
sweets (e.g. chocolate, Greek traditional desserts, etc.).

The study examined the link between the amount and quality of plant-based
foods and heart health over a 10-year period.

In 2001 and 2002, the ATTICA study randomly selected a sample of adults
living in Athens who did not have cardiovascular disease or other
chronic conditions.

The current analysis was conducted in 146 obese participants with normal
blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar. Diet was assessed using
a questionnaire about usual habits in the previous year. It listed 156
foods and beverages commonly consumed in Greece, with photographs to
help define portion sizes.

Within a decade, nearly half of these obese participants had developed
high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood sugar -- a
combination that is particularly risky for heart health.

Men who consumed more plant-based foods were less likely to have this
decline in health status. A trend was also observed in women, but it
did not reach statistical significance.

Regarding the quality of plant-based foods, healthier choices were
linked with maintaining normal blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood
sugar. Conversely, consuming unhealthy plant-based foods was associated
with developing high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood
sugar. These relationships were stronger in women compared to men.

Dr. Kouvari said: "Eating less meat is beneficial for heart health, particularly when it is replaced with nutritious plant foods such as
whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil." She noted that
the analysis was conducted in obese individuals and the findings should
not be extended to other weight categories.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by European_Society_of_Cardiology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


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Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200827101841.htm

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