Umbrella Review: Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Linked to Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Cancer

Vegetarian and vegan diets are linked to lower risk of ischaemic heart disease and cancer, a review of more than 20 years of research has found.

Researchers led by the University of Bologna in Italy, with Stanford University, gathered systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2000 and mid-2023. Across them, vegetarian and vegan diets were linked to better cholesterol, blood sugar control, body weight and inflammation, and to lower risk of ischaemic heart disease and cancer. Vegetarian diets were also linked to lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The review is published in PLOS ONE.

The authors note the studies vary a lot and advise that diets be well planned. They conclude in the paper:

Plant-based diets appear beneficial in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as CVDs, cancer risk and mortality.

Beans, whole grains, vegetables and nuts, plus a B12 supplement, are a simple foundation.

It sums up years of findings, from a meta-analysis of 30 trials showing vegetarian and vegan diets cut cholesterol to the UK Biobank study finding healthy plant-based eaters have a 16% lower risk of early death.

Two decades of science, one clear direction!