The health benefits of a plant-based diet: 5 new studies on how it can lower your cholesterol, boost mental wellbeing, prevent diabetes, and more

An avocado a day could lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels, and eating fruit may keep depression at bay. Plant protein can forestall muscle loss, studies say

Eating healthy plant products including fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains can prevent diabetes, while watermelon may boost heart health and digestion

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Reducing the risk of diabetes and depression, lowering your cholesterol, and promoting better heart health and digestion – these are all benefits of eating a diet of healthy plant foods, according to five new studies. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:45pm, 23 Sep 2022

The goodness derived from eating plant-based foods every day can’t be overstated.

Fruit, vegetables, beans, legumes and whole grains contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients and dietary fibre – all of which are essential for optimum health.

“Numerous studies have linked a higher consumption of healthy plant foods with a reduced risk of chronic conditions, from type 2 diabetes and liver disease to cardiovascular disease, digestive issues, certain eye diseases, and even depression and anxiety,” says Cyrus Luk Siu-lun, a dietitian and executive committee member of the Hong Kong Dietitians Association.

Five new studies show plant foods can reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease, combat frailty, improve your cognitive health, and more.

Cyrus Luk Siu-lun, a dietitian and executive committee member of the Hong Kong Dietitians Association. Photo: Cyrus Luk

An avocado a day helps lower cholesterol levels

Avocados are high in calories, with a medium-sized fruit (138g/5oz) containing about 21g of fat. Those who want to lose weight may avoid it for this reason, but a study published in July in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that eating an avocado a day didn’t cause weight gain, and in fact lowered cholesterol levels.

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