In a new study, researchers have found that consuming plant-based ultraprocessed foods, despite their meat-free nature, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and premature death.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Epidemiological Research Center in Nutrition and Health at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, analyzed data from over 118,000 participants aged between 40 and 69 from the UK Biobank. Participants reported their dietary habits, which were then correlated with hospital and mortality records to assess cardiovascular risk factors.
Ultraprocessed foods, characterized by multiple industrial processes and the addition of chemicals, were found to raise the risk of cardiovascular disease by 5% and increase the likelihood of premature death by 13%. These foods are engineered to be highly palatable and convenient, often requiring minimal preparation.
Lead researcher Renata Levy emphasized that the degree of processing plays a crucial role in the health outcomes associated with plant-based diets. Foods heavily processed with added chemicals and additives may contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, exacerbating cardiovascular risks.
The study also highlighted the importance of replacing plant-based ultraprocessed foods with fresh, frozen, or minimally processed alternatives. Each 10% increase in such replacements was linked to a 7% decrease in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a 13% reduction in the risk of heart disease-related mortality.
While plant-based meat alternatives were included in the analysis, the study noted the difficulty in determining their specific health risks due to their relatively low representation among ultraprocessed plant foods.
Experts underscored the significance of consuming a balanced plant-based diet, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diets, which prioritize minimally processed foods and discourage the consumption of unhealthy ultraprocessed options like packaged breads, pastries, and sweets.
Despite being plant-based, ultraprocessed foods like biscuits, crisps, confectionery, and soft drinks are not considered essential components of a healthy diet, according to Duane Mellor, a registered dietitian and senior teaching fellow at Aston Medical School in the UK.
This study sheds light on the importance of dietary choices in mitigating cardiovascular risks, advocating for a shift towards less processed plant-based options for improved heart health outcomes.
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