20 years of research confirms: eating plant-based is healthier

Recent research shows that a plant-based diet significantly reduces the risk of various diseases. Researchers from the University of Bologna compared 48 studies conducted between 2000 and 2023, concluding that plant-based nutrition has a beneficial effect on health. The research confirms that avoiding animal products lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Twenty years of research

An analysis of twenty years of data reveals that a plant-based diet not only reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer but also improves blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and BMI. This is partly because people who eat vegetarian tend to lead healthier lives. They consume more vegetables and fruits, exercise more often, and pay closer attention to their overall health. However, the researchers stress that it is possible to eat unhealthily while following a plant-based diet. Products like fries, chips, and cookies are examples of this.

Health benefits

The studies presented a unanimous view: plant-based nutrition has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein were noted. A protective effect against cancers such as liver, colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancer was also observed. The researchers point out that the benefits mainly stem from the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. Plant-based diets are rich in vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, and essential amino acids, contributing to these positive effects.

Further explanation and limitations

Despite the positive findings, there is still debate over the exact mechanisms that make plant-based diets so healthy. In addition to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, a decrease in insulin resistance and an improvement in immune function also play a role. Researcher Davide Gori warns against unhealthy vegetarian eating patterns filled with sugar, poor carbohydrates, and preservatives, which can be detrimental to health.

This study highlights the potential of a vegetarian diet as an effective way to reduce the risk of serious diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. More information can be found in the full study on Scientias.nl.

Scientias.nl