Mixed
Adopting a predominantly plant-based dietary pattern improves cardiovascular health markers, including LDL cholesterol, fasting insulin, and body weight, compared to an omnivorous diet.
Start by swapping one animal protein source per day with a plant-based alternative (like lentils or tofu). Focus on adding vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes rather than just cutting out meat. If you experience bloating, increase your fiber intake slowly over weeks rather than all at once. Consider consulting a dietitian to ensure you are getting enough B12 and iron, especially if you are vegan.
The vegan diet participants also showed an approximate 20% drop in fasting insulin and lost an average of 4.2 pounds of body weight more than the omnivore-diet participants, both statistically significant changes... At the end of the study (8-week), LDL-C had dropped to 95.5 mg/dL for vegan-diet participants and 116.1 mg/dL for omnivore-diet participants.
Why this rating
Supported by RCTs (identical twins, SWAP-MEAT) and large observational cohorts (EPIC, Adventist).
Source
Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Dietary Pattern and Implementation in Healthcare and Clinical Practice
Matthew J. Landry et al. · American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine · 2024
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