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  1. Health and Nutrition News

  2. Sep 12, 2023

66% of Diet-Related Cardiovascular Deaths Are Due to a Low Consumption of Plant-Based Foods

A poor diet is a major risk factor for heart disease. A recent analysis of over half a million Chinese adults found that more than two-thirds of diet-related cardiovascular deaths can be attributed to low intakes of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, while a low intake of fruit was the leading dietary risk factor for stroke, followed by a low intake of whole grains and vegetables.1 Aside from addressing many of the risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol, a plant-based diet may also be able to reverse plaque buildup in the arteries.2,3

References

  1. Fang Y, Xia J, Lian Y, et al. The burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to dietary risk factors in the provinces of China, 2002-2018: a nationwide population-based study. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 2023;37:100784. doi:10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100784 
  2. Ornish D, Scherwitz LW, Billings JH, et al. Intensive lifestyle changes for reversal of coronary heart disease. JAMA. 1998;280(23):2001-7. doi:10.1001/jama.280.23.2001 
  3. Esselstyn CB Jr, Gendy G, Doyle J, Golubic M, Roizen MF. A way to reverse CAD? J Fam Pract. 2014;63(7):356-364b.  

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