Healthy Plant-Based Diets Linked to Longer Life in Cardiometabolic Condition Patients

A new study suggests that individuals with cardiometabolic conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, may increase their life expectancy by adhering to a healthy plant-based diet. The research analyzed data from nearly 78,000 participants from major studies in the U.K., U.S., and China, finding significant links between plant-based diets and mortality rates.

Key findings, to be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in Chicago on March 29, 2025, highlight that a healthy plant-based diet correlates with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Conversely, unhealthy plant-based diets were associated with increased mortality risks.

Study Details: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Plant-Based Diets

Researchers examined dietary habits using data from three observational studies: the U.K. Biobank, the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES), and the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS). Participants were evaluated using dietary recall interviews or questionnaires at the study's onset, acknowledging the inherent limitations of self-reported dietary data which may not capture changes over time.

Participants were scored on two diet indexes: healthful and unhealthful. The healthful index reflected higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, tea, and coffee. In contrast, the unhealthful index was associated with refined grains, potatoes, sugary drinks, and animal-derived foods.

Researchers used statistical models to assess mortality risk, accounting for demographics and lifestyle factors such as age, sex, diet, and physical activity.

Healthy Diets and Reduced Mortality Risk

The study found that following a healthy plant-based diet could lower mortality risks from any cause, cardiovascular disease, or cancer by 17% to 24%. On the other hand, unhealthy plant-based diets increased mortality risks by 28% to 36%. These patterns were consistent across various demographic groups and nations.

Although observational, the findings underscore the potential benefits of healthy plant-based diets in enhancing longevity and health outcomes, particularly for those facing cardiometabolic challenges.

Lead author Zhangling Chen, MD, PhD, emphasized the need for future research across diverse populations to further refine dietary intervention strategies for improved health. "These future investigations will help tailor interventions to diverse populations, improving cardiometabolic health," Chen explained.

Impact of Plant-Based Diets on Longevity

Cardiometabolic conditions are influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle, with diet being critical to their management. The study stresses differing outcomes between healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets in relation to cardiometabolic health.

Dr. Thomas M. Holland from RUSH University, not involved in the study, elaborated on diet impacts on cardiometabolic health. He noted that healthy plant-based diets, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and nutritious beverages, can benefit by:

- Lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting HDL cholesterol, reducing heart attack and stroke risks

- Enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation for better diabetes management

- Decreasing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, primary drivers of cardiovascular disease

- Improving endothelial function and vascular health

These insights reinforce the importance of healthy dietary practices in mitigating risks associated with cardiometabolic conditions and enhancing life quality and expectancy.