New study shows some plant-based diets may raise heart disease riskSummary: Researchers tracking over 63,000 adults found that high-quality, minimally processed plant foods significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. But when those plant foods are ultra-processed, the advantage disappears—and can even backfire. Some ultra-processed plant diets increased risk by 40%. The study urges a shift toward whole, naturally nutrient-rich plant foods. FULL STORY Not all plant-based diets improve heart health—only those built on minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods do. Ultra-processed plant products can erase the benefits and even increase cardiovascular risk. Credit: Shutterstock Previous studies have indicated that eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods[1] is linked with a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. Other research[2] has found that diets centered on plant-based foods can lower this risk when those foods offer balanced nutrition and are consumed in appropriate proportions. To explore how nutrition relates to cardiovascular health in more detail, scientists from INRAE, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, and Cnam examined more than whether foods came from plant or animal sources. Their assessment also incorporated the nutritional makeup of foods, including factors such as carbohydrate, fat, and antioxidant vitamin and mineral content, along with the level of industrial processing involved. How the Study Evaluated Diets and Food Choices The team evaluated data from 63,835 adults enrolled in the French NutriNet-Santé cohort. Participants were followed for an average of 9.1 years, with some tracked for as long as 15 years. Information on what they ate and drank (collected over at least three days) was gathered through online questionnaires. This detailed approach allowed researchers to classify diets based on the share of plant-based and animal-based foods, while also considering both nutritional quality and processing level. The findings showed that adults who consumed more plant-based foods of higher nutritional quality (lower in fat, sugar, and salt) and with minimal industrial processing had about a 40 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those who ate fewer nutritious plant-based foods and more animal-based products[3]. However, people who ate larger amounts of plant-based foods that were nutritionally higher quality but ultra-processed, including items such as industrial whole meal breads, store-bought soups, ready-made pasta dishes, or commercially prepared salads with dressing, did not experience a reduced cardiovascular risk relative to individuals who consumed fewer of these products and more animal-based foods. Ultra-Processed Plant Foods and Increased Heart Disease Risk A notably higher risk emerged for adults whose diets were dominated by plant-based foods that were both lower in nutritional quality and ultra-processed. These items included crisps, sweetened fruit drinks or sodas made from plant extracts, chocolate-based sweets or confectionery, sugary breakfast cereals, and savory biscuits. Their cardiovascular disease risk was roughly 40 percent higher than that of people who consumed more plant-based foods of good nutritional quality with little or no industrial processing. Why Processing Level Matters for Plant-Based Eating Overall, the results show that understanding the relationship between diet and cardiovascular health requires considering the nutritional quality of foods and how heavily they are processed, in addition to the balance of plant-based and animal-based components. These findings support public health recommendations that encourage the consumption of plant-based foods that are both nutritionally high quality and minimally processed (such as fresh, frozen, or high-quality canned fruits and vegetables without added fats, salt, sugar, or additives). Notes [1], [2], and [3] can be read at the article source.... ARTICLE SOURCE: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100928.htm
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Eggs are one of the most versatile and nutritious foods on the planet. Yes, we are serious when we make that statement. They are a great source of protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. They are also low in carbs, making them perfectly suited for keto and carnivore diets. But whether you are following a low-carb, keto, paleo, or any other type of diet, there is probably an egg recipe that will suit your needs and preferences. There are many nutritional advantages to eggs, and to get the most out of them you want to consume both the whites and the yolks. Here are some of the benefits of eating eggs and some delicious ways to prepare them.
Protein and healthy fats
Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own. The high-quality protein found in eggs is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, bones, skin, and hair, as well as producing hormones and enzymes. Protein also helps you feel full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating and cravings. One egg contains about 6 grams of protein.
Eggs are a good source of healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats can lower the risk for heart disease and are beneficial for brain function and hormone production. Eggs are also one of the few natural sources of Vitamin D which is important for bone health and immune function.
Vitamins and minerals
Eggs are packed with many essential vitamins and minerals, including choline, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, folate, iron, and zinc. Choline is an important nutrient for brain health and development. Vitamin A is vital for vision, skin health, and immune function. Vitamin B12 is important for production of red blood cells, DNA, and nerve function. Folate is essential for cell division, DNA synthesis, and fetal development, and riboflavin is important for energy production, antioxidant defense, and eye health.
Of the minerals, phosphorous helps regulate acid-base balance, and is a component of bones, teeth, DNA, RNA, and cell membranes. Then selenium is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and damage. It also supports thyroid function and reproductive health.
Antioxidants
Eggs contain two antioxidants that are especially beneficial for eye health: lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants accumulate in the retina and protect it from harmful blue light and age-related macular degeneration. They may also help prevent cataracts and improve visual acuity.
How to eat eggs
In addition to their nutritional advantages, eggs are also a versatile and affordable food. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, and they can be used as an ingredient in many different dishes.
There are many ways to enjoy eggs as part of a healthy diet. You can have them scrambled, boiled, poached, fried, baked, or made into an omelet or a frittata. You can also add them to salads, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, or stir-fries. You can even make egg muffins or egg cups for a quick and easy breakfast on the go.
Perfect for keto and carnivore diets
Keto and carnivore diets are both low-carb diets, and eggs are a naturally low-carb food. A large egg contains only 0.6 grams of carbs. Eggs are also high in protein and fat, which are the two main macronutrients that are consumed on keto and carnivore diets.
Eggs can be included in your keto or carnivore diet in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
Breakfast: Eggs are a popular breakfast food on keto and carnivore diets. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as scrambled, fried, or omeleted. Eggs can also be used to make breakfast dishes such as quiches and frittatas.
Lunch: Eggs can also be included in lunch meals. For example, you could make an egg salad sandwich, a hard-boiled egg salad, or an egg wrap. Eggs can also be added to salads or soups.
Dinner: Eggs can also be included in dinner meals. For example, you could make a steak and eggs dish, a bacon and eggs dish, or an omelet with vegetables and meat.
Eggs are a versatile, nutritious, wonderful food that can provide you with many health benefits and delicious meals. They can be adapted to suit your preferences and needs. Everyone should include more eggs in their diet, especially if you are following a keto or carnivore diet.
Your choice of egg matters!
Of all the eggs available including caged, free-range, organic free-range, and pasture-raised, pasture-raised eggs are the best ones to eat.
Caged eggs are laid by hens that spend their entire life in cages. They eat, poop, and lay eggs in the same crowded cages. Free-range eggs are eggs laid by hens that are housed in cages but do have outdoor access. There will not be much nutritional difference between these two types of eggs.
However, Organic free-range eggs are laid by hens that have outdoor access and are fed organic feed. These eggs will have a higher vitamin content, but the prize has to go to Pasture-raised eggs. These eggs are laid by hens that spend their time outdoors during the day and only go indoors at night to sleep. As a result, they feed on whatever they can find in the pasture, including insects, bugs, grubs, grass, and whatever else they can find. Pasture-raised eggs are of superior quality compared to caged chickens, and you will see that reflected in the price.
Where to Buy?
We recommend buying local. Find a farmer, rancher, or other local person who is selling eggs in your local community. You can search for local eggs on Google, or you can use a site like EggsNearby.com where some individuals list or advertise eggs for sale.
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