Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2025 Dec 10;27(1):122. doi: 10.1007/s11883-025-01344-5.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Most observational studies quantify the relationship between diet, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and environmental impacts independently, resulting in a fragmented understanding of sustainable diets. This review summarizes findings from observational studies assessing eating patterns and their simultaneous associations with environmental and CVD outcomes.
RECENT FINDINGS: Plant-based diets, primarily those low in red meat, added sugars, and sodium, are associated with lower CVD risks. Environmental studies suggest that whole-food diets low in animal proteins typically have a lesser impact on greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) and land use than diets high in animal proteins; however, they may increase water use. Predominantly plant-based diets were consistently associated with lower cardiovascular risk and reduced environmental impacts, though trade-offs were observed between healthiness and environmental sustainability, as well as across different environmental indicators. Further research is needed to determine how dietary patterns, cardiovascular health, and environmental outcomes align.
PMID:41369819 | DOI:10.1007/s11883-025-01344-5