Plant-Based Diets May Help Reduce Heart Disease Risks in Women

Recent scientific studies emphasize the crucial role of diet in managing cardiometabolic disorders. The research indicates that plant-based diets can be particularly beneficial in lowering heart disease risks for women.

New research shows that plant-based diets can significantly lower the risk of death for people with conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. A separate study reveals that lifestyle factors impact women's heart health more severely than men's. Cardiometabolic disorders are on the rise around the world. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.9 billion adults are overweight, and over 650 million are obese. The International Diabetes Federation reports that 537 million people live with diabetes. This figure is expected to reach 643 million by 2030. Scientists presented findings at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25) in 2025. Zhangling Chen, MD, PhD, of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Changsha, China, stated that a healthy plant-based diet is critical for people with cardiometabolic disorders. The study analyzed data from nearly 78,000 people across the US, UK, and China. Participants who followed a healthy plant-based diet had a 17 to 24 percent lower risk of death from any cause, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. Participants who ate more refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, and animal-based foods saw their risk of death increase by 28 to 36 percent. A second ACC.25 study analyzed data from over 175,000 Canadian adults. Maneesh Sud, MD, PhD, an assistant professor at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, noted that lifestyle factors affect women's heart health more than men's. Women with poor health profiles faced nearly five times the risk of heart disease compared to those with ideal health. Men with poor health profiles saw their risk increase by 2.5 times. Plant-based diets counteract key cardiovascular risks by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and supporting blood sugar control. These diets are rich in potassium, low in sodium, and full of fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. For women, who face heightened cardiovascular risks from poor lifestyle factors, adopting a plant-forward approach offers powerful protection.

Read source: VegNews