Study Highlights Benefits of Plant-Based Diets for Postmenopausal Women's Heart Health
A recent study presented at the NUTRITION 2026 meeting of the American Society of Nutrition has found that a plant-forward diet, known as the Planetary Health Diet, can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. The study indicates that women adhering closely to this diet experienced a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The diet emphasizes the consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats, which are known to provide fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fats that help reduce inflammation and improve vascular health. The findings align with other plant-based dietary patterns like the Mediterranean and MIND diets, which have been associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk.