Some Plant-Based Diets May Increase Heart Disease Risk

Huh?

After all, isn’t Step One Foods the champion of plant based diets?  And isn’t Step One plant based?

We are.  And yes we are.  But it turns out not all plant based diets are created equal.  And a recent study underscores this point.

Pooled data on over 200,000 men and women revealed that a healthful plant-based diet – one rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, etc. – was associated with a substantially lower risk of heart disease. Individuals following this type of diet experienced a 25% reduction in heart events over time. 

However, a plant-based diet that emphasized less healthy plant foods like sweetened beverages, refined grains, potatoes and sweets had the opposite effect.  Individuals following this type of diet experienced a 32% INCREASED likelihood of experiencing heart issues.  In fact, the refined plant-based diet was not much different than a meat based diet in terms of outcomes.

So it’s not just about eating plants or avoiding meat, it’s about eating plant-based products that are whole and real.  In other words, put down those veggie straws!

And instead of drinking apple juice or having apple sauce, eat an apple.

Instead of having Rice Krispies, eat brown rice.

Instead of Tater Tots, have a sweet potato.

And instead of a cookie, have a Step One Foods bar. 

Our foods are plant based and whole.  There are no refined grains, no superfluous sweeteners, and no empty calories. 

Yes, we can impact your cholesterol numbers, but that’s only part of the story.  Our ultimate goal is to help you reduce your risk of cardiovascular events.  And this study says we’re helping you do just that.

http://www.onlinejacc.org/content/70/4/411