New study finds plant based diets have positive impact in lowering cholesterol
A new study published in the European Heart Journal, a peer-reviewed medical journal of cardiology has found that vegetarian and vegan diet can lower cholesterol level, which is a major risk factor for the heart which subsequently kills close to 18 million people every year.
For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 30 randomized trials with a total of 2,372 participants, published between 1982 and 2022. The studies conducted in USA, Sweden, Finland, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Italy, Iran, and New Zealand.
"Plant-based diets have the potential to lessen the atherosclerotic burden"
The researchers concluded that vegetarian and vegan diets were associated with reduced concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B—effects that were consistent across various study and participant characteristics.
"Plant-based diets have the potential to lessen the atherosclerotic burden from atherogenic lipoproteins and thereby reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease," the study concluded.
For the study the researchers estimated the effect of vegetarian and vegan diets on TC, LDL-C, TG, and apoB blood levels (apoB contain lipoprotein particles that are the risk factors for cardiovascular health).
LDL dropped by 10% in those who had plant based diets
LDL or low density lipoprotein, which is called the bad cholesterol, was monitored in the participants.
The researchers found that LDL levels dropped to 10% in those who followed a plant based diet in comparison to those who had a diet comprising both plant and meat products.
They also found that the overall cholesterol dropped by 7%.
In plant based diet, apolipoprotein B levels dropped by 14%
Elevated levels of apolipoprotein B is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The normal range of apolipoprotein B level is 100 mg/dL. ApoB is the main apolipoprotein in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.
The researchers found a significant impact of plant based diet on apolipoprotein B levels. It found that being vegan or vegetarian dropped the apolipoprotein B levels by 14%.
Statin treatment is superior to plant-based diets
Along with the study findings, the researchers have touched upon the most important treatment method and the risk factors of atherosclerosis.
"Statin treatment is superior to plant-based diets in reducing lipid and lipoprotein levels," they say.
"Prevention of disease risk factors such as overweight, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia is key to slowing down the atherosclerotic process, wherefore consumption of plant-based diets could postpone or even diminish the need for statins, thus sparring individuals from side effects related to the treatment," they have added.
Foods that can help lower cholesterol
A Harvard report explains the different nature of foods and the ways they help lower cholesterol. It says fibers bind cholesterol in the digestive system and remove them out of the body before they get into circulation. Polyunsaturated fats directly lower LDL. Plant sterols and stanols block the body from absorbing cholesterol.
Foods like oats, barley, whole grains, beans, eggplants, okra, nuts, vegetable oils, seasonal fruits, soy, and fatty fish can help lower cholesterol.
Foods fortified with stanol and sterols and fiber supplements can also be helpful.
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