How a plant-based diet affects your metabolism
Plant-based diets have received widespread attention in recent years for their potential health benefits and positive impact on environmental sustainability. However, not all plant-based diets have the same impact on health. A recent study by researchers at University College Dublin delves into the association between plant-based dietary patterns and endogenous metabolites in healthy individuals, revealing the differential impact of healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets on metabolic health.
The study evaluated the eating patterns of 170 healthy adults using the Plant-based Diet Index (PDI) to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets. Results showed that healthy PDI was associated with lower body mass index (BMI) and fasting blood glucose levels, as well as higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Unhealthy PDI was associated with higher BMI, triacylglycerol and fasting blood glucose levels and lower HDL-C levels.
These findings are consistent with earlier research. For example, one comprehensive review noted that people who adhere to a plant-based diet generally meet recommended intakes of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and vitamin E, but may have insufficient intakes of protein, vitamin B12, and iodine. The review highlights the importance of distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy plant-based dietary patterns, as not all plant-based foods provide the same health benefits.
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