Danish researchers claim that a plant-based diet has a similar effect to statins – preventing clogged arteries and reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke, according to the Daily Mail.
A vegetarian diet can significantly reduce cholesterol and fat levels in the blood, thereby lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The study's author, Dr. Ruth Frikke-Schmidt, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Copenhagen, said that a vegetarian diet achieves one-third the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering statins. She explained that this is "really important."
Scientists at Rigshospitalet Hospital, part of the University of Copenhagen, analyzed 30 trials involving more than 2,000 participants.
The results showed that those following a plant-based diet experienced an average 7% reduction in total cholesterol levels compared to the start of the study. Bad cholesterol levels also decreased by 10%, and apoB levels (a protein that helps transport fats and cholesterol in the blood) decreased by 14%.
Researchers estimate that eating this diet for 5 years will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 7%, and over 15 years it could reduce the risk by one-fifth.
Professor Frikke-Schmidt said: "This is equivalent to one-third the effect of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, so that's really significant," according to the Daily Mail.
Expert advice on eating plant-based foods
Professor Frikke-Schmidt urged those taking statins, if following a plant-based diet, not to stop taking the medication.
Statins are used to treat high levels of "bad" cholesterol, preventing hardening and narrowing of the arteries and cardiovascular disease. The drugs work by reducing the production of this type of cholesterol in the liver.
Frikke-Schmidt said: Statins are exceptionally effective at reducing fat and cholesterol levels. Therefore, combining statins with a plant-based diet can have a synergistic effect, leading to greater benefits.
A vegetarian diet achieves one-third the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins.
Tracy Parker, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation in Birmingham, said: “This research supports previous studies showing that a plant-based diet is good for the heart. In particular, the earlier you start eating a plant-based diet, the greater the benefits.”
Nutrition expert Duane Mellor, a senior lecturer at the Aston University School of Medicine in Birmingham, England, notes that vegetarians should plan carefully to ensure they get enough iron, iodine, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
Expert Parker advises that if you find it difficult to eat a vegetarian diet, try the Mediterranean diet, which focuses primarily on fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fish, with fewer eggs, low-fat dairy, and very little meat.
This diet has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
There is considerable evidence that this type of diet can help reduce the risk of heart and circulatory diseases by improving cholesterol and blood pressure levels, reducing inflammation, and controlling blood sugar.
Professor Frikke-Schmidt herself admitted that she eats mainly plant-based foods with a little chicken and fish.
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