Not All Plant-Based Diets Protect Heart Health, Landmark Study Finds

A new study has revealed that not all plant-based diets are equal when it comes to heart health. Researchers found that the quality and processing level of plant foods play a far bigger role than simply eating more plants. The findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, tracked over 63,000 adults for more than nine years.

The study followed 63,835 adults in France as part of the NutriNet-Santé cohort, monitoring their diets for an average of 9.1 years. Participants who ate mostly low-quality, ultra-processed plant foods—such as vegan burgers, sugary cereals, or refined snacks—faced a 40% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. By contrast, those who focused on whole, minimally processed plant foods like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains saw their risk drop by about 40%.

The research did not just compare plant and animal foods but also examined how processing and nutritional quality affected health. Surprisingly, even processed plant foods marketed as healthy did not lower cardiovascular risk when compared to diets containing more animal products. The study's authors stressed that a balanced approach—considering food type, nutritional value, and processing—is essential for understanding diet's impact on heart health.

Rather than discouraging plant-based eating, the findings highlight the need for mindful choices. The message is clear: opting for whole, nutrient-dense plant foods delivers far greater benefits than relying on heavily processed alternatives, regardless of their plant-based label.

The study reinforces that a plant-based diet alone does not guarantee better heart health. Instead, the focus should be on whole, minimally processed foods to reduce cardiovascular risks. German nutritional guidelines already advise five daily portions of fruits and vegetables while limiting processed foods—advice now supported by this long-term research.