Recent meta-analyses found that a plant-based diet high in tomatoes and olive oil can reduce the risk of heart disease. With heart disease being one of the leading causes of death in the US, this study can help people to better their health through their diet.

Researchers from the University of Naples reviewed nearly 100 studies surrounding the relationship between heart disease and diet. Their main focus was on food groups such as red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, produce, nuts, and grains. The research showed a direct link between eating a plant-based diet rich in veggies and heart disease prevention. Even a diet that is low in red meat was shown to have a noticeable effect.

Research has shown red and processed meat to be a leading cause of heart disease. Some animal products were considered healthy to eat, but only in very limited amounts. Hence, diets rich in vegetables are much healthier and safer than a diet full of animal products like processed meats, red meat, and butter. In fact, eating only two servings of vegetables a day, especially leafy greens and tomatoes, has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease by 34%. This meta-analysis goes a step further in proving that a plant-based diet is a healthier option in most cases.

Cutting back on butter and red meat consumption, and eating more leafy greens, olive oil, and tomatoes has a significant effect in reducing the risk of heart disease. Those looking to reduce their risk of heart disease should look into a plant-based diet rich in tomatoes and olive oil, or at the very least, cut down on their servings of animal products each week.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

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