Veggie diets protect your heart
A low-fat vegetarian diet may help prevent heart attacks, according to a new study in the American Journal of Cardiology. In this 12-week study, 27 people with coronary artery disease (CAD) changed their lifestyle to include a low-fat plant-based diet, three hours of moderate exercise per week and one hour of stress management per day. 20 others with CAD followed the usual care plan. Results showed those who adopted lifestyle changes had improved function of the inner lining of their arteries; crucial to preventing heart attacks.
Dod et al., 2010. Effect of intensive lifestyle changes on endothelial function and on inflammatory markers of atherosclerosis. American Journal of Cardiology. 105 (3) 362-367.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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