Vegan Diets Decrease Heart Attack Risk Among African Americans

Vegan diets lower the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among African Americans, according to preliminary research presented recently at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions and published in Circulation. Researchers tracked ASCVD risk for volunteers who consumed a low-sodium, vegan diet for five weeks. All meals were provided to the participants via home delivery. Those who completed the trial showed an almost 20 percent reduction in their 10-year average risk for heart attacks. The authors note high adherence levels among the cohort and hope similar nutrition and lifestyle interventions may decrease the racial disparity in heart disease risk and mortality.