Energy balance

Adopting a vegan diet is associated with significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and a lower prevalence of hypertension compared to a meat-based diet, primarily mediated by a lower body mass index (BMI).

If you are looking to lower your blood pressure, adopting a vegan diet is associated with significantly lower rates of hypertension and lower blood pressure readings compared to meat-eating diets. The study indicates this benefit is largely driven by a lower body weight (BMI). However, vegans in the study also tended to have lower sodium and alcohol intake, suggesting that dietary quality supports the weight-related benefits. To replicate these results, focus on a whole-food plant-based diet that naturally supports a healthy weight.