Does Eating Less Meat REALLY Lower Heart Disease Risk?

Today we explore the science of if (and how) reducing your meat intake can lower your risk of heart disease. 

We all know that meat consumption has been part of many human diets for millenia.  

However, until about a century ago, the quantity of meat eaten was miniscule compared to what most omnivores eat today, and the quality was far superior. 

This and other factors have led health experts to take a closer look at the connection between meat consumption and the alarming rise in heart disease. 

Three things stand out from the many studies published about meat and heart disease: 

1. Eating Red Meat Triples Levels Of Trimethylamine N-oxide

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is something our gut makes when we eat red meat. TMAO can increase cholesterol deposits in arteries, blood pressure and blood clots. All of these contribute to heart disease and have been linked to heart attacks and strokes.  [1]

2. Meat Contains Saturated Fat

Most experts agree that one reason meat contributes to heart disease is because of how much saturated fat it contains. The more saturated fat you consume, the more LDL “bad” cholesterol your body makes.

3. Meat Consumption Deteriorates Your Heart Health

As if raising your cholesterol levels and clogging your arteries wasn’t bad enough…eating meat literally damages your heart. Research shows that eating meat leads to smaller ventricles, stiffer arteries and overall weaker heart function. [2]

Processed meats like bacon, sausages and canned meat have demonstrated even worse results. This is probably because they contain a lot more fat and sodium. These both increase cholesterol and blood pressure. 

Based on this information, it’s logical to assume that yes, consuming less meat really does lower your risk of heart disease. 

However, there’s something else that is equally as important…

What you are replacing it with.

You see, if you’re swapping out your meat intake with whole-food, plant-based sources of protein such as beans, legumes, whole grains and non-GMO soy, then you will likely reduce your risk of developing heart disease. 

On the other hand, if you replace your meat with packaged, processed, sugary foods that have been stripped of their nutrients, the benefits (if there are any!) will be much less significant. 

When you replace meat with whole-food plant-based alternatives, the following heart-healthy changes can follow: 

1. A Decrease in Cholesterol

Swapping animal products for plant-based foods definitely means you’ll be getting more fiber, which is fantastic! Among other wonderful things, fiber lowers cholesterol and detoxifies your body, which your heart loves.

2. A Healthier Gut

Many people don’t realize that a happy gut equals a happy heart, as well. In fact, fiber-rich plant-based foods promote a healthy gut (microbiome). This “good” gut bacteria helps your heart by keeping your arteries free of bad cholesterols, as well as keeping your blood vessels healthy.

3. A Decrease in Inflammation

There is a LOT of evidence that shows meat to be pro-inflammatory (meaning it causes inflammation in our bodies). This is also connected to the high amounts of saturated fat in meat. But plants can actually reduce inflammation. Experts believe this is because plants are so high in detoxifying antioxidants.

These are all great health benefits. So to answer the question…

Does eating less meat REALLY lower your risk of heart disease? YES! It certainly seems that science backs that up. 

However, when it comes to heart health, there are many myths and misunderstandings out there. 

Our friend Ocean Robbins has teamed up with an expert cardiologist who has spent decades at the forefront of the holistic cardiology movement in order to break through the confusion and really get to the heart of the matter… Pun intended! 

Together they have created a WONDERFUL new masterclass that reveals the 4 major heart disease myths, as well as 10 recent scientific breakthroughs regarding heart health that most doctors don’t even know about. 

Discover even more ways you can improve your heart health in
The Healthy Heart Masterclass

The information contained in this powerful masterclass has helped 1000’s of people transform their lives. It’s a must see!
>>Get the details, and reserve your seat here.

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