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
- 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
- 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
- Esselstyn CB Jr, Gendy G, Doyle J, Golubic M, Roizen MF. A way to reverse CAD? J Fam Pract. 2014;63(7):356-364b.