For a long time, health experts have said that eating a plant-based diet is good for your health, but it turns out that is not always the case. A new study backed by the World Cancer Research Fund found not all plant-based diets are created equal, and ultra-processed plant-based foods — like popular vegan meat and dairy replacements — could be putting your life at risk.
Scientists found opting for plant-derived foods that are ultra-processed increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. That means if someone thinks they are doing their heart a favor by choosing a veggie burger instead of beef, they might want to think again.
Researchers studied more than 118,000 individuals’ diets and found those who regularly go for plant-based but ultra-processed food are 15% more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke than those who do not choose the ultra-processed choices. That is because they are still packed with fat, salt and sugar.
While ultra-processed junk foods have long been linked to health concerns, the study’s authors said it is the first of its kind to link plant-based ultra-processed foods to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers did find eating just 10% more unprocessed vegetarian foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, lowered the risk of heart disease by 8%. They also found those who ate the fewest ultra-processed foods had a 13% lower risk of dying of any cardiovascular diseases.
