Macro partitioning
Adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet significantly reduces HbA1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, often allowing for the reduction or elimination of chronic disease medications.
Start by filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with whole grains or starchy plants, and a quarter with legumes. Eliminate meat, dairy, eggs, and refined sugars. Add a small handful of nuts or seeds daily. This approach has been shown to significantly improve blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, often reducing the need for medications under a doctor's supervision.
Research shows that plant-based diets are cost-effective, low-risk interventions that may lower body mass index, blood pressure, HbA1C, and cholesterol levels. They may also reduce the number of medications needed to treat chronic diseases and lower ischemic heart disease mortality rates.
Why this rating
The paper relies heavily on observational studies, case studies, and meta-analyses rather than large-scale randomized controlled trials for the general population, though it cites specific RCTs.
Source
Nutritional Update for Physicians: Plant-Based Diets
Philip Tuso et al. · The Permanente Journal · 2013
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