A study published in Lancet Regional Health has shown that consuming processed vegetarian foods can increase the risk of heart disease-related death. This is the first study to show that ultra-processed vegetarian foods, such as beverages, prepackaged cereals, and ready-to-eat meals with additives and high levels of sugar and saturated fat, can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. These foods lack essential nutrients like vitamins and fiber.
Researchers from the University of São Paulo and Imperial College London examined the diets of over 118,000 Britons aged 40 to 69. They found that diets rich in fresh plant-based foods, such as green vegetables, organic fruits, whole grains, and legumes, can promote heart health. Increasing plant-based food intake by 10% was associated with a 20% decrease in the risk of heart disease death. On the other hand, a diet based on processed vegetarian foods like fake meats and salty patties increased the risk of cardiovascular disease by 12%.
Lead author Fernanda Rauber explained that the ingredients and processing methods of fake salty vegetarian foods can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study also found that these foods, often marketed as healthy, can actually contribute to health deterioration through oxidative stress and inflammation.
Experts recommend opting for organic plant-based foods to reduce the risk of heart disease death and coronary artery disease development. They call for government guidelines to promote healthy vegetarian options and warn against misleading marketing of ultra-processed vegetarian products. Organic foods have both health and environmental benefits compared to processed alternatives.
