Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the leading causes of death worldwide, but diet plays a powerful role in reducing these risks. A comprehensive study brings this into sharper focus.
This umbrella review gathered data from 48 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2000 and 2023. The results showed that vegetarian diets improve heart health by significantly lowering total cholesterol and harmful LDL cholesterol. Although some studies suggested improvements in blood pressure, the results were inconsistent and therefore inconclusive.
Vegetarians were found to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. Furthermore, vegetarians are significantly less likely to die from ischemic heart disease, circulatory disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cancer.
The data also revealed that vegetarians have a reduced risk of several specific cancers, including liver, pancreatic, lung, prostate, bladder, colorectal, melanoma, kidney, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and lymphatic cancers. Additionally, vegetarians had lower levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein and a lower body mass index (BMI).
Regarding diabetes, vegetarians had significantly lower HbA1c levels, which is the primary marker for long-term blood sugar control. They also had lower fasting blood sugar and insulin resistance, with a notable 27% lower risk of developing diabetes.
This extensive review adds compelling evidence for the health benefits of a vegetarian diet.
Source: PLOS ONE. May 15, 2024; 19(5): e0300711.