Mixed
Adhering to a vegan diet for 8 weeks significantly reduces high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels compared to an American Heart Association (AHA)-recommended diet in patients with established coronary artery disease, independent of changes in body weight or lipid profiles.
If you have heart disease, switching to a vegan diet for just two months can significantly lower your inflammation markers (hsCRP) more than a standard heart-healthy diet, even if you don't lose weight. This benefit comes from the types of food you eat (plant-based proteins, fiber) rather than just calorie counting. You don't need to do it alone; using tools like cookbooks and getting professional counseling can help you stick to it while continuing your prescribed heart medications.
A vegan diet resulted in a significant 32% lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (b, 0.68, 95% confidence interval [0.49–0.94]; P=0.02) when compared with the American Heart Association diet... The degree of reduction in body mass index and waist circumference did not significantly differ between the 2 diet groups... There were no significant differences in other lipid parameters.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with a robust comparator (AHA diet), blinded endpoints, and adjustment for multiple covariates, though the sample size is moderate (n=100) and duration is short (8 weeks).
Source
Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of a Vegan Diet Versus the American Heart Association–Recommended Diet in Coronary Artery Disease Trial
Binita Shah et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · 2018
DOI 10.1161/jaha.118.011367
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