Vegan Diet. . . Less LDL Cholesterol

Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal amounts of fat (lipids) and lipoproteins in the blood. Dyslipidemia more commonly referred to as high cholesterol is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. This is because more fats are being transported to and stored in the arteries. Dietary modification is often first-line therapy for individuals with elevated cholesterol. More specifically, plant-based dietary interventions are effective in lowering plasma cholesterol concentrations.

Investigators reviewed published scientific research to determine the effectiveness of plant-based diets in modifying cholesterol concentrations (plasma lipids) . Twenty-seven randomized controlled and observational trials were included.

Of the four types of plant-based diets, interventions testing a combination diet: a vegetarian or vegan diet combined with nuts, soy, and/or fiber, demonstrated the greatest effects (up to 35% LDL cholesterol reduction) followed by vegan (excludes all animal products) and ovolactovegetarian (includes eggs and milk or milk products) diets.

Interventions allowing small amounts of lean meat demonstrated less dramatic reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels. There is an abundance of ideas regarding vegetarian meal planning on the web. In addition to being visually beautiful, vegetarian cooking is also economical.

Large prospective trials have also demonstrated that populations following plant-based diets, particularly vegetarian and vegan diets, are at lower risk for ischemic (decrease in the blood supply, decreased flow) heart disease mortality.

Source:
Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Plasma Lipids
Hope R. Ferdowsian, MD, MPH, Neal D. Barnard, MD
Washington Center for Clinical Research, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
American Journal Cardiology Volume 104, Issue 7, Pages 947-956 (1 October 2009)