New Study Proves Plant Protein Boosts Heart Health

A new study published in Journal of the American Heart Association found that replacing animal protein with plant-based protein improved the three main cholesterol markers for heart disease prevention. John Sievenpiper, MD at St. Michael’s Hospital, conducted a meta-analysis of 112 randomized trials and found that cholesterol levels in individuals who consumed one to two servings of soy, nuts, and beans instead of animal protein dropped by five percent in a three-week period. “That may not sound like much,” Sievenpiper said, “but because people in North America eat very little plant protein, there is a real opportunity here to make some small changes to our diets and realize the health benefits.” Conversely, a separate study published in the same scientific journal last year found that peripheral heart disease patients who consumed animal products such as meat and eggs nearly tripled their risk of early death.