Eating a plant-based diet doesn’t equate to a healthy diet

Researchers tracked the dietary habits of over 118,000 individuals aged 40 to 69 years old from England, Scotland, and Wales, cross-referencing their eating patterns with their medical records. The study found that individuals who ate a diet high in plant-based ultra-processed foods (UPFs) were more likely to suffer from negative cardiovascular health outcomes. In contrast, those who adhered to an unprocessed plant-based diet experienced beneficial health effects. You might think plant-based automatically means healthy fats, but some of these products can sneak in trans fats or too much saturated fat, which raises your “bad” cholesterol and puts your heart at risk.

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The Hidden Dangers of Ultra-Processed Plant-Based Foods Study

The study found that individuals who ate a diet high in plant-based ultra-processed foods (UPFs) were more likely to suffer from negative cardiovascular health outcomes. In contrast, those who adhered to an unprocessed plant-based diet experienced beneficial health effects.Dr. Jagadish Hiremath, a cardiac intensivist and medical director at AASRA Hospitals, explains, “These are not your basic homemade veggie burgers. These include preservatives, artificial flavors and colors, and substances that alter texture.There are a few key reasons these foods raise eyebrows, according to Dr Hiremath .

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Consuming Ultra-Processed Plant-Based Foods Causes Elevated Cholesterol

It’s a bit of a domino effect, says Dr Hiremath. Those additives and preservatives can quietly create a low-level inflammation in your body, which damages your arteries and can raise your blood pressure.”“When you’re missing out on key nutrients and filling up on unhealthy ingredients, your body’s ability to handle fats is diminished, leading to a buildup of harmful cholesterol.When you’re missing out on key nutrients and filling up on unhealthy ingredients, your body’s ability to handle fats is diminished, leading to a buildup of harmful cholesterol.