New Delhi: Going vegan can be a challenge in itself, especially for the once non-vegetarian group of people. Yet, many people end up moving to the non-dairy diet regime. But the initial phases can be challenging – it can come with cravings for non-vegetarian food and sometimes even turning to mock meats or fake vegan meat made with soy or jackfruit. However, these foods often fall in the ultra-processed category category such as packaged foods, drinks, cereals and other ready-to-eat foods that contain additives, hidden sugars and saturated fats. And while mock meats are often considered healthier, a study recently found that these vegan meats can raise heart disease risk.
How do ultra-processed plant foods affect health?
For this, researchers at the University of São Paulo and Imperial College London assessed the diets of over 118,000 Britishers aged 40 to 69 years and found that following a plant-based diet is good for health. However, this is relevant if one eats fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. For every 10% increase in intake of plant foods, the risk of death due to heart problems reduces by 20%. However, ultraprocessed foods such as mock meats are not accounted for in the same. Alternatively, these foods are associated with a heightened risk of heart problems such as high cholesterol and hypertension.
Even in case of mock meats, that are often made with either soy or soy milk or jackfruit, the ultra-processed food theory stands. Studies say that these foods can take a toll on the heart and the environment alike. Therefore, it is advised to switch to a plant diet which can decreased death risk due to heart problems by 15% and also the odds of developing cardiovascular problems by 7%.
The study, published in Lancet Regional Health on Monday, is a first of its kind to show that plant-based ultra-processed foods can contribute to heart problems in a long run. Alternatively, based on these findings, doctors recommend eating vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. And this is not just relevant in case of mock meat but also other foods like chips, confectionary and biscuits that are commonly consumed by all. Therefore, it is advised to switch to whole foods in a plant-based diet for maximum benefits.
For this, researchers at the University of São Paulo and Imperial College London assessed the diets of over 118,000 Britishers aged 40 to 69 years and found that following a plant-based diet is good for health. However, this is relevant if one eats fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
