The benefits of a plant-based diet for the prevention and treatment of heart disease

Abstract

Heart disease is still the number one killer in the United States. Recent research has suggested that adhering to a plant-based diet can prevent, treat, and reverse heart disease. In order to further clarify these findings, an analysis was made of the components of a plant-based diet and such dietary effects in relation to being a possible treatment for heart disease. Based on a comprehensive investigation of this area of study, an extensive body of evidence supports the finding that a whole-food, plant-based diet can significantly lower the risk of heart disease, mainly by reducing blood levels of lipids and cholesterol associated with atherosclerosis. Comparison was made between the efficacy of the plant-based diet versus more conventional approaches such as medication and surgery. Further clinical trials are needed to validate the findings of adopting this diet in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.