Vegetarian Diets and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Pros

ABSTRACT

There is an ongoing need for public health interventions aimed at further mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) through changes in dietary patterns and other lifestyle habits. Plant-based diets (PBDs) are effective in reducing CVD risk factors, a benefit evidenced by the favorable cardio-metabolic profiles observed in vegetarians who abstain from consuming meat, fish, and poultry compared to omnivores. Numerous studies have demonstrated that PBDs, particularly when rich in high-quality plant foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, are associated with a lower risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Herein, we briefly review the current evidence regarding the relationship between CVD and PBDs, as well as the potential underlying biological mechanisms.