Not all plant-based diets protect your heart—study reveals the risks

A new study has highlighted the risks of relying on heavily processed plant-based foods. Researchers found that adults eating mostly low-quality, ultra-processed plant products faced a 40% higher chance of heart disease. The findings suggest that not all plant-based diets offer the same health benefits.

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, tracked 63,835 adults for an average of 9.1 years. It compared diets rich in minimally processed, nutrient-dense plant foods with those high in ultra-processed alternatives. Participants consuming whole, unrefined plant foods saw their cardiovascular risk drop by around 40%.

Even plant-based foods marketed as healthy failed to lower heart disease risk when heavily processed. The research also examined animal-based foods, assessing both nutritional quality and industrial processing levels. Results showed that balance, not just dietary labels, plays a key role in heart health. The authors stressed that plant-based eating remains beneficial—if the focus stays on whole, nourishing foods. They warned against assuming all plant products are equally good for health or the environment.

The findings reinforce that food quality and processing matter as much as dietary choices. While no new global guidelines on ultra-processed foods have emerged in recent years, the study adds weight to calls for whole-food diets. For now, the message is clear: opting for minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods may be the best way to protect heart health.