Study: Plant-based meat is bad for heart health

[Compiled and published by New Sancai] A new study published this week has determined that eating "plant-based meat" is no healthier for the heart than eating real meat. For Chauncey Crandall, MD, one of the nation's most renowned cardiologists, the findings were no surprise.

"We call it fake meat." "This plant-based meat is manipulated," said Dr. Crandall, a New York Times best-selling author and director of preventive medicine at the Cardiovascular Clinic in Palm Beach, Florida.

In the study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, participants ages 30 to 70 ate fixed amounts of beef, pork or chicken breast, or a variety of plant-based meats from Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat and other companies (PBMA).

After eight weeks, changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels were similar in both groups. Additionally, meat eaters had better blood sugar and blood pressure management than those who consumed PBMA. Scientists conclude that replacing animal-based meat with plant-based meat-free products does not benefit cardiovascular health.

Crandall doesn't recommend eating plant-based meats. "It has additives...different processing agents, different flavors," Crandall said.

Dr. Crandall is the author of The Simple Heart Healing Diet and Meal Plan, which contains 28 days of healthy meals and over 100 easy and delicious recipes. The Yale-trained heart surgeon is also the editor of the popular Dr. Crandall Heart Health Report newsletter.

"I recommend that people with underlying heart disease pay more attention to the Mediterranean diet - a plant-based diet."

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils and nuts, as well as healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Limit or reduce red meat in your diet and choose poultry, fish, or beans. It also requires eating little to no sweets, sugary drinks, or butter.

(Compiled by: Wang Jimin)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)