A healthy plant-based diet linked to a lower risk of premature death in people with cardio-metabolic disorders

People with cardio-metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes and heart disease could increase their chances of living longer by adopting a plant-based diet, according to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session.

The study from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Changsha, China is the first to focus on the benefits of a plant-based diet in people with cardio-metabolic disorders. Researchers analysed data from almost 78,000 people with cardio-metabolic disorders who participated in large prospective studies in China, the United Kingdom and the United States. After adjusting for factors including demographics, dietary and lifestyle the researchers found that overall a closer adherence to a healthy plant-based diet was associated with with a 17% to 24% lower risk of death from any cause, cardiovascular disease or cancer.