Till now we used to believe that the plant-based diet is a great way to stay healthy, but a recent study has changed this notion a bit. According to this research, more processed plant-based foods can increase the risk of heart disease and premature death.
This study based on the data of UK Biobank has been published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe magazine. Researchers analyzed diet and health records of more than 1.18 lakh people between 40 and 69 years of age. The study found that those who used to consume high amounts of plant-based processed foods had increased the risk of heart disease by 5% and the risk of death increased by 13%.
Dr. Claire Mary Stacey, the lead author of this study, says that our study has found that the consumption of processed plant-based foods is associated with the risk of heart disease and death. However, it is important to note that overall, the plant-based diet is still a great way to stay healthy. Then the question arises what are these processed plant-based foods, that can be harmful to us?
These are foods in which a lot of changes have been made from natural conditions. Extra sugar, salt, fat, and artificial elements are often added to them. For example, packet-closed fake meats, vegetable hotdogs, frozen fries, and packets of snacks, etc. can be considered processed plant-based food.
Expert
Dr. Stacey further says that these processed foods are often less than nutrients that are found in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses. Also, they can have high amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. So this does not mean that you leave the plant-based diet completely. Yes, but include whole and less processed foods as much as possible in your diet. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts, and seeds can play an important role in your health. Lonely intake processed foods and give fresh, natural things priority.
(PC: Freepik)
