A comprehensive review recently published in the journal BMC Medicine has found that replacing animal-based foods like red and processed meat or eggs with plant-based alternatives such as nuts or legumes may lower the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The review, which analyzed the results of 37 previous studies, highlights the potential health benefits of incorporating more plant-based foods into our diets. This research, conducted by a team of experts from various German institutions, is the first systematic review to focus on a wide range of health outcomes associated with substituting animal-based foods with plant-based options. Registered dietician Duane Mellor, who was not involved in the study, commented that this review aligns with the existing body of evidence that shapes our dietary guidelines. Previous studies have also indicated the positive effects of plant-based diets, including lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The latest review specifically observed a 27% decrease in the overall incidence of heart disease when processed meat was replaced with nuts, and a 23% decrease when it was replaced with legumes. Additionally, swapping processed meat for plant-based alternatives was associated with a 22% reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes. These findings further support the notion that incorporating more plant-based foods into our diets can have significant health benefits.
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