Children Who Eat Plant-Based Diets At Lower Risk For Heart Disease

Children who eat a low fat, plant based vegan diet are at lower risk of heart disease than children who eat a more traditional heart healthy diet, according to Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

The study followed 28 obese children between the ages of 9 and 18. Each child, along with one parent, were assigned a plant-based vegan diet or a heart health diet, as recommended by the American Heart Association. Those on the plant based diet consumed plants, whole grains and a limited number of avocado and nuts. They consumed no fat and no animal products. These participants experienced significant markers in nine measures: BMI, systolic blood pressure, weight, mid-arm circumference, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and insulin. myeloperoxidase and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, two markers of heart disease, were also changed.

Participants who followed the heart healthy diet consumed fruits, vegetables, whole and non-whole grains, limited sodium, low fat dairy, lean meat and fish. Children in this group experienced significant changes in weight, waist circumference, mid-arm circumference and myeloperoxidase.

“We’ve known that plant-based diets are beneficial in adults in preventing and possibly reversing heart disease,” Dr. Michael Macknin, a staff pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, said. “This study shows that the same may be true in children too, though more studies are needed.”

Macknin noted that the change seen in the study occurred over just 4 weeks, and that long term implementation of such a diet could lead to monumental changes in the health of children.

During the study, researchers found that while families had no problem following the diet guidelines, they did have problems purchasing the required items.

“So we know that plant-based diets are effective, but if they are to be widely used, we need to make access to plant-based, no-added-fat foods easier and more affordable,” Macknin reported.

The study was published in The Journal of Pediatrics.

Source: Fox News / Photo Credit: Flickr