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Brighter Future Initiative

say no to animal cruelty!

Cardiovascular diseases

The Benefits of a Vegan Diet for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are illnesses involving either the heart or the blood vessels and in some cases, both. They are typically caused by plaque build-up resulting in damage to the blood vessels and the heart. The plaque causes thickening of the blood vessels which makes it harder for blood to be circulated to various regions of the body. The main factors that lead to this plaque build-up include behavioral patterns and lifestyle changes, obesity or eating a high-fat diet. Other factors such as smoking and a highly inactive lifestyle are known to also lead to cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol plaques are one of the primary causes of cardiovascular disease and they start on the walls of the artery and can develop over the years. Cholesterol plaques slowly obstruct arterial blood flow and in the worst-case scenario, they can rupture suddenly. A blood clot will form on top of the rupture and this leads to a stroke or a heart attack. Arterial blockage resulting from blood clots and plaque buildup is one of the main causes of death within the United States. Reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as cholesterol levels can help to prevent plaque formation and it can even reverse the buildup of plaque.

Most cardiovascular diseases are quite preventable and one can address the risk factors by:

  • Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
  • Decreasing salt intake
  • Eating fresh vegetables and fruits
  • Abstaining from tobacco smoking and drinking alcohol

Cardiovascular diseases are normally related to the diet high in animal product. Dairy products, eggs, and meat have high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. The fatty substances present in these foods are responsible for plaque buildup in the artery walls which in turn impedes blood flow and circulation around the body. The condition whereby the arteries are damaged is referred to as atherosclerosis and reduced blood circulation to some areas of the body impairs general bodily functions.

According to research, a nutritious vegan diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and grains can stop cardiovascular diseases and even reverse them. Individuals who are on a vegan diet have significantly fewer cardiac events, which include angioplasty, bypass surgery, strokes, and heart attacks. When you have high cholesterol, you are at a higher risk of having a heart attack. Plant foods do not have cholesterol and a vegetarian diet is beneficial in eliminating any excessive cholesterol from the gastrointestinal tract due to its high fiber content. Eggs, dairy products, and meat have no fiber at all. A vegetarian low-fat diet combined with moderate exercise is ideal for prevention of cardiovascular disease through the drastic reduction of cholesterol levels and the dissolution of plaque. Fish consumption has also been touted due to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids but there is a risk of fish flesh contamination with harmful toxins such as PCBs and mercury. Toxin-free alternatives with the benefits of omega-3s include vegetarian DHA capsules, walnuts, and flaxseed oil. Choosing vegetarian foods means that you will safely and naturally lower the risk of serious illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases.

Sources

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Support/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp#.Wjv8bEGgfDd

https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/cholesterol-and-artery-plaque-buildup#1

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs317/en/

https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/heart-disease/

https://www.peta.org/living/food/clean-clogged-arteries-vegan-diet/

 

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Caldwell Blakeman Esselstyn Jr. (born December 12, 1933)  is an American physician, author and former Olympic rowing champion.

Esselstyn is the author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease (2007), in which he argued for a low-fat, whole foods, plant-based diet that avoids all animal products, as well as reducing or avoiding soybeans, nuts, avocados and oils. The diet has been advocated by former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

…and I quote..

The reason that there is a paucity of this awareness on the part of physicians is that is nutrition is just never talked really in medical school and it certainly never taught in postgraduate training so you have a whole region of physicians throughout this country that have absolutely no concept about the power of nutrition.

Vegan for life ♥