New research presented at the ACC.25 conference shows that adopting a healthy plant-based diet can significantly improve life expectancy for individuals with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The study, involving nearly 78,000 adults from the US, UK, and China, found that closely following a plant-based diet reduces the risk of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Key Findings:
- Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diet: Participants who adhered to a healthy plant-based diet saw a 17% to 24% lower risk of death from any cause, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. Conversely, those not following the diet had a 28% to 36% higher risk.
- Diet Composition: The study emphasized the importance of increasing healthy plant-based food intake, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, while reducing unhealthy plant-based foods and animal products.
- Additional Insights: Another study presented at the conference found that drinking tea, coffee, and low-fat milk, while avoiding sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages, can help lower the risk of premature death.
Dr. Zhangling Chen, lead author of the study, highlighted the potential of plant-based diets to reduce mortality rates in those with cardiometabolic disorders and stressed the importance of mindful dietary choices for better long-term health.
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