Vegetarian Diets Reduce Risk of Death from Heart Disease

Vegetarian diets reduce the risk of death from ischemic heart disease, according to a meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Researchers reviewed eight observational studies that compared vegetarian and nonvegetarian diets with mortality. Vegetarian diets, including vegan eating patterns, were associated with a 30% reduced risk of death from ischemic heart disease when compared to nonvegetarian diets. Vegetarian diets benefit risk factors for heart disease, including weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Vegetarian diets avoid animal products, which are often high in saturated fat, iron, and hormones. The authors recommend clinicians consider vegetarian diets as a cost-effective intervention for high-risk groups to reduce mortality from heart disease.