The Effect of a Vegan Diet on the Cardiovascular System

Michail Koutentakis, Stanisław Surma, Sylwester Rogula, Krzysztof J. Filipiak, Aleksandra Gąsecka

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The vegan diet, often known as a plant-rich diet, consists primarily of plant-based meals. This dietary approach may be beneficial to one’s health and the environment and is valuable to the immune system. Plants provide vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants, components that promote cell survival and immune function, allowing its defensive mechanisms to work effectively. The term “vegan diet” comprises a range of eating patterns that prioritize nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. In comparison to omnivorous diets, which are often lower in such products, the vegan diet has been favorably connected with changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers such as reduced body mass index (BMI) values, total serum cholesterol, serum glucose, inflammation, and blood pressure. Reduced intake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), saturated fat, processed meat, and greater consumption of fiber and phytonutrients may improve cardiovascular health. However, vegans have much smaller amounts of nutrients such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), selenium, zinc, iodine, and vitamin B12, compared to non-vegans, which may lead to detrimental cardiovascular effects. This review aims to present the effect of plant-based diets (PBDs), specifically vegan diets, on the cardiovascular system.
Original languageEnglish
Article number94
JournalJournal of cardiovascular development and disease
Volume10
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2023

Keywords

  • CVD
  • cardiovascular health
  • health benefits
  • nutrients
  • plant-based
  • risk factors
  • vegan diet

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