A plant-based diet could potentially reduce the risk of both diabetes and heart disease.
Plant-Rich Diet May Lower Heart Disease and Diabetes Risk by 9% and 8%
Opting for a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains could significantly lower your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to a large-scale study.
The research, presented at NUTRITION 2025, hints that these benefits could be due to phytosterols – plant compounds that hinder cholesterol absorption from the diet. People whose diets included high levels of phytosterols had an 9% reduced risk of heart disease and an 8% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to those with low intake.
The link between a plant-rich diet and lower risks of these diseases has long been known, but this study delves into the potential role of phytosterols in the process. By interfering with cholesterol absorption in the intestine, phytosterols can help lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, in the blood – a risk factor for heart disease.
Phytosterols are found in unrefined plant oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes, as well as in various fruits like avocados, broccoli, cauliflower, passion fruit, raspberries, and oranges. However, even with a plant-rich diet, it's challenging to reach the 2g per day of phytosterols recommended for a significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol solely through diet. That's where fortified spreads, dairy drinks, and supplements could play a role.
It's essential to remember that while phytosterols may help lower LDL cholesterol, it should not replace cholesterol-lowering medication. Furthermore, there's no benefit for those with normal levels of cholesterol, and phytosterols are not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for children under five.
The findings of this study, while promising, are yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Experts agree that more research is needed to confirm these insights and draw practical conclusions regarding the role of phytosterols in preventing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Insights from Enrichment Data:
- Phytosterols, found in plant-based foods like nuts, vegetables, and fruits, inhibit cholesterol absorption [1][2].
- Higher phytosterol intake may lead to lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by 9% and 8% respectively [1][4].
- Phytosterols are linked to favorable metabolites and metabolic markers relevant to heart disease and diabetes, including better insulin regulation and reduced inflammation [2][3].
- The gut microbiome may influence the beneficial effects of phytosterols by affecting metabolism [3].
- Incorporating phytosterol-rich foods into your diet could contribute to lowering the risk of these conditions.
- A plant-rich diet, abundant in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains, appears to lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by 9% and 8% respectively, possibly due to phytosterols, plant compounds that hinder cholesterol absorption.
- Phytosterols, found in unrefined plant oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, avocados, broccoli, cauliflower, passion fruit, raspberries, and oranges, are linked to lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Phytosterols have been shown to interfere with cholesterol absorption in the intestine, helping lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, in the blood – a risk factor for heart disease.
- Besides a plant-rich diet, fortified spreads, dairy drinks, and supplements could help individuals reach the recommended 2g per day of phytosterols for significant reductions in LDL-cholesterol.
- While phytosterols may help lower LDL cholesterol, they should not replace cholesterol-lowering medication and are not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for children under five.
