A recent study emphasizes the impact of plant-based diets on health outcomes for individuals with cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. While a healthy plant-based diet may enhance longevity, an unhealthy one could elevate the risk of premature death. Experts recommend prioritizing nutrient-rich plant-based foods over refined grains, sweets, and animal products to improve cardiometabolic health. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 78,000 participants with these conditions from large-scale prospective studies in the U.K., U.S., and China, found that closely adhering to a healthy plant-based diet was associated with a lower overall mortality risk, as well as reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer-related deaths. On the contrary, following an unhealthy plant-based diet was linked to increased mortality risks. These findings will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25) in Chicago on March 29, 2025. While further research is needed, this study contributes to the mounting evidence supporting the benefits of healthy plant-based diets for individuals with cardiometabolic conditions.
The results of the study showed that adherence to plant-based diets reduced mortality rates by 28% to 36%. These findings were consistent across different subgroups based on age, race, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity levels, and various cardiometabolic conditions. Despite participants from the U.K. and U.S. being younger on average (57 and 59 years old) compared to Chinese participants (averaging 84 years old), the results remained consistent across the different countries.
It’s important to note that these findings are observational and do not establish a causal relationship. However, they do suggest the potential benefits of adopting healthy plant-based diets in improving health outcomes, especially for individuals with cardiometabolic conditions.
Dr. Zhangling Chen, the lead author of the study from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Changsha, China, expressed plans to further investigate the impact of plant-based diets on mortality and life expectancy among patients from diverse racial, national, and socioeconomic backgrounds, such as Latin American populations. These future studies aim to refine our understanding of the relationship between plant-based diets and cardiometabolic health, allowing for tailored interventions to improve outcomes in different populations and cultural contexts.
Cardiometabolic conditions are influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with diet playing a pivotal role. The study underscores the significance of overall dietary patterns, particularly the distinction between healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets, in managing these conditions and reducing premature mortality risk.
Dr. Thomas M. Holland, a physician-scientist and assistant professor at the RUSH Institute for Healthy Aging, RUSH University, highlighted how plant-based diets impact cardiometabolic health. He explained that healthy plant-based diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy beverages, can support heart health by improving lipid metabolism, blood sugar control, inflammation, and vascular health. Conversely, unhealthy plant-based diets high in processed foods and added sugars may worsen cardiometabolic outcomes by increasing blood sugar spikes, inflammation, and oxidative stress, consequently raising the risk of heart disease and premature mortality.
In addition to diet, Dr. Holland emphasized that factors like stress, sleep quality, and social determinants can also influence cardiometabolic health outcomes. Overall, nutrients in healthy plant-based diets play a crucial role in enhancing health and reducing mortality risk.
How does it achieve this? Chen attributes it mainly to the diet’s nutrient composition. “A nutritious plant-based diet can potentially lower mortality in individuals with cardiometabolic disorders by the positive effects of nutrients present in healthy plant-based foods,” stated Chen. According to Chen, these nutrients consist of dietary fiber, plant fats (such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), plant proteins, antioxidants (like chlorogenic acids and melanoidins), phytoestrogens (such as lignans), vitamins (like vitamin E and folate), and minerals (like calcium, potassium, and magnesium). “Increasing evidence suggests that these nutrients are strongly linked to a reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases, thus decreasing the likelihood of premature deaths,” explained Chen.
Holland supported this view, providing specific examples of how nutrients in healthy plant-based diets can improve cardiometabolic health. For example, he pointed out that “consuming fiber-rich whole grains and legumes helps to regulate blood sugar, while healthy fats from nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and avocado oil promote heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol.” “Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of plant-based foods can help decrease systemic inflammation, a key factor in the progression of cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” he elaborated.
Holland concluded by offering practical advice for individuals seeking to adopt healthier eating habits and enhance their cardiometabolic health. “The main message from this study is that not all plant-based diets offer the same advantages… Those aiming to improve their long-term health should concentrate on nutrient-rich, minimally processed plant-based foods, drawing inspiration from adaptable and sustainable diets like the Mediterranean and MIND diets for best outcomes.” — Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS
