The Power of Plants: Study Links Plant-Based Diets to Reduced Risk of Multiple Chronic Diseases
A new study from Hee University in South Korea reveals a strong link between plant-based diets and a lower risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. The research,published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity,analyzed data from over 400,000 participants aged 37 to 70 across six European countries: Italy,Spain,the United Kingdom,germany,the Netherlands,and Denmark. The data sources included the European Prospective Research Study on Cancer and Nutrition (Epic) and the United Kingdom Biobank.The study’s primary finding demonstrates that diets prioritizing plant foods with limited animal product consumption are associated with a reduced risk of not only individual chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but also the simultaneous progress of two or more chronic conditions – a phenomenon known as multimorbidity.
“Our study emphasizes that a healthy diet based on plants not only influences individual chronic diseases, but can also reduce the risk of developing multiple chronic diseases simultaneously occurring, both in medium-sized people and in older people,” explained Reynalda Córdova, the study’s lead author and a nutritional epidemiologist.
Specifically,the research highlighted the benefits of incorporating fruits,vegetables,whole grains,and legumes into one’s diet. Researchers found that individuals with the highest adherence to these plant-focused dietary patterns experienced a 32% lower risk of multimorbidity compared to those with the lowest adherence, according to data from the British Biobank.
Córdova emphasized that complete elimination of animal products isn’t necessary to reap the benefits. “You do not have to eliminate animal products entirely. Change to a diet based on plants can already have a positive impact,” she stated.
Karl-Heinz Wagner, co-author of the study and president of the Austrian Society of Nutrition, underscored the importance of prioritizing a health-focused diet. He also pointed out an additional advantage: “An additional benefit of plants-based diet is lower greenhouse gas emissions and land use.”
The researchers conclude that dietary guidelines, public health initiatives, and interventions should actively promote diets composed primarily of plant foods, with smaller portions of animal products, as a preventative measure against a range of diseases.