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Plant-based meat alternatives have become a healthier option for heart health compared to traditional meat, according to a comprehensive review.

Researchers conducted an analysis on the impact of plant-based meat alternatives, often referred to as PBMAs, on cardiovascular disease risk factors such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Their findings indicate that PBMAs generally possess a more cardioprotective nutritional profile and demonstrate potential in improving cardiovascular risk factors compared to real meat.

Lead author Dr. Matthew Nagra highlighted the growing popularity of plant-based meat in Canadian diets and underscored the need for more research into its health impacts, particularly concerning cardiovascular disease risk.

"While the plant-based meat market has experienced significant growth in recent years and more and more Canadians are enjoying plant-based burgers, surprisingly little is known about how these meat alternatives may impact health and in particular cardiovascular disease risk," Nagra said, Saipan Tribune reported.

"Thus, we sought to review the available literature on the topic to identify what is currently known and to provide direction for future research."

The review published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology encompassed studies spanning from 1970 to 2023, examining the contents, nutritional profiles, and effects of PBMAs on cardiovascular health indicators. Overall, PBMAs were found to offer a more heart-healthy dietary option than traditional meat, despite concerns about high sodium content in some products.

Several controlled trials cited in the review demonstrated that PBMAs could improve cholesterol levels without raising blood pressure, which is notable given the sodium content variations among products.

However, the researchers noted a significant gap in long-term studies evaluating the potential risks of heart attack or stroke associated with regular consumption of PBMAs. They also expressed surprise at the lack of research on vital wheat gluten, a primary protein source in many popular plant-based meat alternatives, and its impact on cardiovascular risk.

Dr. Nagra emphasized the urgent need for further investigation into the cardiovascular outcomes associated with PBMA consumption, given the increasing popularity of these products.

"The lack of research on cardiovascular outcomes as of 2023 is shocking, given that there are randomized controlled trials evaluating risk factors dating back to 1990. More detailed research is needed in light of the increasing consumption of PBMAs and our lack of knowledge of how these products impact risk," he said.

In an accompanying editorial, Professor David Spence emphasized the broader impact of diet on cardiovascular events, advocating for a greater emphasis on dietary factors in managing patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

"What really matters is not the effect of individual components of a diet, nor the effect of diet on cardiovascular risk factors; it is the effect of diet on the actual risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke," Spence explained.

"Most physicians markedly underestimate the cardiovascular benefit of diet and place far too little emphasis on diet in the management of patients at high risk of cardiovascular events."

Senior author Professor Ehud Ur recommended PBMAs as a heart-healthy substitute for those looking to reduce red meat intake, while advising consumers to opt for options lower in saturated fat and sodium for regular consumption.

Spence added that reducing meat intake and incorporating plant-based meat substitutes could significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, surpassing the effects seen in merely lowering risk factors.