Eating a higher rate of plant protein to animal protein improves heart health

Eating a diet with a higher ratio of plant protein to animal based proteins was found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study found that a 1:2 ratio of plant to animal protein helps to prevent cardiovascular disease and that an even higher ratio 1:1.3 may be needed to protect against coronary heart disease.

The 30 year study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition of 203,000 American men and women found those who consumed the highest ratio of plant protein to animal protein had a 19% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 27% lower risk of coronary heart disease compared to those who consumed the lowest ratio.