The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **Unhealthy Plant-Based Diets Linked to Higher Heart Attack Risk** A new study has found that **consuming an unhealthy plant-based diet is linked to a 65% higher chance of elevated levels of a key heart attack biomarker**[1]. ** Not All Plant-Based Foods Are Created Equal While plant-based diets can provide significant health benefits, not every plant-based option is equally good for the heart. The research highlights that many **plant-based meat substitutes and highly processed plant foods**—often high in sodium and additives—may negatively impact heart health in ways similar to processed animal-based foods[1]. ** Key Biomarkers Signal Elevated Heart Risk The study measured levels of cardiac biomarkers, including **cardiac troponin T and I** as well as **N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide**. Elevated troponins are clear signs of cardiac muscle damage and are used to diagnose heart attacks, while the peptide is linked to heart failure[1]. ** Diet Quality Matters—Even on Plant-Based Diets According to researchers, **the rules of healthy eating still apply**: diets filled with minimally processed fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains offer protection, but plant-based diets high in refined grains, sugar, and processed foods do not confer heart benefits[1][3]. ** Healthy Plant-Based Diets Still Offer Heart Protection Other recent studies have confirmed that **diets rich in whole, unprocessed plant foods lower the risk of heart disease, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke**[2][3][4]. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains support heart health, particularly when they replace red or processed meats in the diet[2][3]. ** Choosing the Right Plant-Based Foods For those choosing plant-based eating, researchers recommend opting for **whole, minimally processed foods and limiting plant-based meat alternatives** that are high in sodium and additives[1][3]. ** Heart Health Takeaway The latest evidence shows that **diet quality—rather than simply avoiding animal products—determines cardiovascular risk**. An unhealthy plant-based diet can actually increase heart attack risk, reinforcing the importance of choosing the right plant-based foods for optimal heart health[1][3]. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9