New Research Shows Consumption of Processed Vegetarian Foods May Increase Heart Disease Mortality Risk.
Published on June 12 in the Lancet Regional Health journal, this study is the first to reveal that plant-based meat alternatives may elevate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Ultra-processed vegetarian foods include beverages, packaged cereals, ready-to-eat meals containing colorants, emulsifiers, flavorings, and other additives. They are also high in sugars, saturated fats, sodium, and lack essential vitamins and fiber.
A vegetarian diet based on processed foods may increase cardiovascular disease risk by 12%.
To conduct the research, scientists from the University of São Paulo and the Royal College of London assessed the diets of over 118,000 British individuals aged 40 to 69. They found that a diet rich in fresh plant foods, including leafy greens, organic fruits, whole grains, and legumes, promotes heart health. Increasing plant-based food intake by 10% correlates with a 20% reduction in heart disease mortality risk. However, a vegan diet based on processed foods, such as meat substitutes and vegetarian sausages, could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by 12%.
Fernanda Rauber, the lead author of the study, explained that the composition and processing methods of plant-based meat alternatives could raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
“Food additives and contaminants can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, exacerbating health issues,” she stated.
Dr. Eszter Vamos, a co-author of the study, noted that many companies use misleading marketing that distorts public perception of vegan products. She remarked that while ultra-processed foods are often promoted with health-positive messages, the new research indicates they may not only lose their benefits but could even harm health.
The study suggests that vegetarians should opt for organic foods, which are beneficial for health and the environment, potentially reducing heart disease mortality by 15% and coronary artery disease incidence by 7%.
Based on this new research, experts are calling on the government to provide nutritional guidelines and recommendations for vegetarians.
