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Review
. 2023 Jan;14(1):44-54.
doi: 10.1016/j.advnut.2022.10.002. Epub 2022 Dec 17.

Healthy plant-based diets improve dyslipidemias, insulin resistance, and inflammation in metabolic syndrome. A narrative review

Minu S Thomas  1 , Mariana Calle  2 , Maria Luz Fernandez  3
Affiliations
Review

Healthy plant-based diets improve dyslipidemias, insulin resistance, and inflammation in metabolic syndrome. A narrative review

Minu S Thomas et al. Adv Nutr. 2023 Jan.

Abstract

Plant-based diets (PBDs) have become very popular in recent years and have been identified as a dietary strategy associated with protection against chronic disease. However, the classifications of PBDs vary depending on the type of diet. Some PBDs have been recognized as healthful for their high content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, or unhealthful if they are high in simple sugars and saturated fat. Depending on this classification, the type of PBD impacts its protective effects against disease dramatically. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by the presence of high plasma triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, impaired glucose metabolism, elevated blood pressure, and increased concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers, also increases the risk for heart disease and diabetes. Thus, healthful plant-based diets could be considered favorable for individuals having MetS. The different types of plant-based diets (vegan, lacto-vegetarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, or pescatarian) are discussed with a focus on specific effects of dietary components in maintaining a healthy weight, protecting against dyslipidemias, insulin resistance, hypertension, and low-grade inflammation.

Keywords: Healthy plant-based diets; dyslipidemia; hypertension; inflammation; insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; waist circumference.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Benefits of different plant-based diets: vegan, vegetarian (may include dairy and eggs), and pescatarian on the parameters of metabolic syndrome and inflammatory markers. The number in brackets is the corresponding reference. Abbreviations used: BMI, body mass index; CRP, C reactive protein; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; FBG, fasting blood glucose; IR, insulin resistance; SBP, systolic blood pressure; TG, triglycerides
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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