Stroke
Cholesterol, saturated animal fat, byproducts of dietary choline found in animal products and other things harmful for our heart are also harmful for the brain. Because of this, heart disease is the #1 and stroke the #3 killer of Americans. Info here.
Study-2 or more chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, or stroke) can increase your risk of dying prematurely
Study finds those who eat the most red meat had increased risk for total stroke by 41%.
Study finds those who eat the most processed meat had increased risk for total stroke by 24%.
Study finds those who eat the most eggs had increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke by 41%.
See the Mayo Clinic for how a plant based diet can reduce the risk of strokes
Diet rich in potassium reduces the risk of stroke-eat more sweet potatoes & bananas!
Study: TMAO produced during digestion of animal products leads to heart attack & stroke
95 studies show eating 2.5 servings fruit/veg/day decreases risk of stroke
Alzheimer’s Disease
Podcast interview with Dr. Neal Barnard June 2011 minute 23 here.
A high-fat, high-glycemic-index diet increases the concentration of proteins in the brain that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published by the Am. Medical Assn.
Study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease shows increased animal fat consumption in developing countries is associated with more Alzheimer’s disease.
Study found those with highest levels of copper were three times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Copper is found at especially high levels in liver and shellfish.
2003 and 2014 study finds Saturated fats found in animal fat products such as cream, cheese, and fatty meats may lead to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
See the Heart Health tab for information on cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Dietary Guidelines from PCRM.org here
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in January 2014 showed that for Japan and developing countries that increasing animal product consumption “correlated highly with AD (Alzheimer’s disease) prevalence data . . . . Conclusion: Evidently AD rates will continue rising in non-Western countries for some time unless we address major risk factors involving diet, obesity, and smoking.”
Cholesterol is found in animals, phytosterols are found in plants and may prevent Alzheimer’s.
Brain Health and Dementia
Study found 2 servings of leafy greens per day can significantly help protect brain health and reduce the risk of dementia.
Study: Those who eat the most plants (veggies, soy protein, fruits, and nuts) had the lowest risk for cognitive decline
Dairy is a leading cause of heartburn. Now study finds those who take heartburn meds at 44% higher risk of dementia.
Depression
High Fiber diet may reduce depression symptoms.