Food processing level outweighs plant-based label for heart health benefits, study finds

Plant-Based Diets and Cardiovascular Health: A New Study

A recent study conducted by a research team from INRAE, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, and Cnam delved into the relationship between nutrition and cardiovascular health. Previous research has suggested that a diet high in ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, while a diet rich in plant-based products can potentially reduce this risk, provided it is nutritionally balanced.

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe journal, analyzed data from 63,835 adults participating in the French NutriNet-Santé cohort. The researchers looked beyond the traditional plant-based vs. animal-based foods distinction and considered factors such as nutritional quality, level of food processing, and the balance between plant-based and animal-based products in the diet.

The findings revealed that adults consuming diets rich in high-quality plant-based products with minimal industrial processing had a 40% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with diets lower in such plant-based products and higher in animal-based foods. On the other hand, adults consuming diets rich in high-quality plant-based products that were ultra-processed did not show a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Interestingly, the study also found that adults consuming diets high in plant-based products of lower nutritional quality and high in ultra-processed foods had a 40% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with diets rich in high-quality plant-based products.

These results emphasize the importance of considering both the nutritional quality and degree of processing of foods, in addition to the plant-to-animal balance in the diet, when assessing their impact on cardiovascular health. The study suggests that promoting plant-based foods of good nutritional quality with minimal processing could be beneficial for cardiovascular health.

In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights for public health and nutrition policies, advocating for the consumption of plant-based foods that are nutritionally balanced and minimally processed. By making informed dietary choices, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve their overall health and well-being.