Introduction
Nowadays, doctors and scientists believe that a vegan diet can help a person live longer and be healthier while upholding ethical standards. A vegan diet can be described as a nutritional approach that prohibits the consumption of animal-based products and emphasizes the consumption of plant-based organic foods. As a result, with a decreased consumption of processed foods and increased prevalence of vegetables, fruits, and grains in the diet, positive effects have been observed on well-being, including those that involve heart health.
Growing Interest in Vegan Diets and Heart Health
While a vegan diet has existed for hundreds of years, it has recently started to attract more attention from those who want to minimize the risks of having cardiovascular disease. According to the BBC article by Gallagher (2023), in thirty studies conducted since 1982, scientists have given volunteers a predetermined diet and monitored the effects on heart health. There were around 2,400 participants from around the world (Gallagher, 2023).
Cholesterol Reduction and Cardiovascular Benefits
The results showed that harmful cholesterol levels that are too high enable fatty deposits to accumulate in blood arteries, which may eventually result in heart attacks or strokes. Indeed, it is evident to many that as people consume more processed food and sugar, adverse effects on their well-being and quality of life can be expected. However, the research focusing on the benefits of a vegan diet again shows the influence of organic and plant-based diets.
Impact of Plant-Based Diets on Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure can be emphasized when delving deeper into how the plant-based diet helps avoid heart-related conditions. Vegan diets decrease blood pressure because they involve “glycemic and lipid control, and thus reduce the need for medications” (Salehin et al., 2023, p.1). Indeed, an unhealthy diet that involves processed, salty, sugary foods can increase blood pressure since they lack the same nutrients and vitamins. Meanwhile, vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, and grains have organic vitamins that might lower blood pressure and sustain normal levels.
Cholesterol Management Through Vegan Nutrition
An additional benefit of the vegan diet is that it helps reduce cholesterol levels, which can be helpful for those with heart conditions and those who want to avoid them in the future. According to researchers Trautwein & McKay (2020, p.2), “dietary fatty acids [have] proven evidence for cholesterol-lowering and CVD risk benefits” (Trautwein & McKay, 2020, p.2). Therefore, a plant-based diet with no cholesterol but rich in fiber is helpful for many individuals who want to prolong their lives and reduce the risks of heart-related conditions.
The Importance of Nutrient Balance in Vegan Diets
Nevertheless, one should not forget that simply adhering to the vegan diet and only consuming vegetables and fruits can be insufficient. A person must always focus on the nutrients and minerals that the body has, which means that a solely vegan diet might not guarantee a long life without heart disease. As mentioned in the BBC article, “experts said meat and dairy had their own health benefits” (Gallagher, 2023, para. 4). Therefore, a plant-based diet does not equal long life, and a meat-based diet does not equal negative consequences. There must always be a balance that will help the individual receive all the required vitamins.
Conclusion
In summary, a reduction in processed food consumption and an increase in the proportion of fruits, vegetables, and grains in the diet have been linked to good effects on well-being, especially heart health. Despite having existed for hundreds of years, the vegan diet has only lately gained popularity among those looking to lower their risk of cardiovascular disease. When discussing how a plant-based diet helps avoid heart-related disorders, it is possible to highlight low blood pressure. Another benefit of the vegan diet is that it decreases cholesterol levels. But it’s crucial to remember that eating only fruits and vegetables when on a vegan diet might not be sufficient.
References
Gallagher, J. (2023). Plant-based diets good for the heart. BBC. Web.
Salehin, S., Rasmussen, P., Mai, S., Mushtaq, M., Agarwal, M., Hasan, S. M., Salehin, S., Raja, M., Gilani, S., & Khalife, W. I. (2023). Plant-based diet and its effect on cardiovascular disease. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 1-13. Web.
Trautwein, E. A., & McKay, S. (2020). The role of specific components of a plant-based diet in management of dyslipidemia and the impact on cardiovascular risk. Nutrients, 12(9), 1-21. Web.