Plants May Have the Power to Prevent Chronic Disease: Review

A recent review analyzing nearly 50 studies spanning over 20 years found that plant-based diets significantly reduce the risk of several diseases.

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Eating more plants could be the key to avoiding heart disease and some types of cancer, according to a recent review of nearly 50 studies.

The umbrella review, published in May in PLOS One, evaluated 48 previous reviews and meta-analyses published between 2000 and 2023 and concluded that vegetarian or vegan diets “significantly reduce the risk” of ischemic heart disease, gastrointestinal cancer, and prostate cancer, as well as associated mortality.

Eat More Plants to Lower Disease Risk

The review’s findings add to a growing body of research linking plant-based dietary patterns with better health outcomes.