Patients with cardiovascular diseases are generally advised by doctors to eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables to lower cholesterol. However, a new study from Germany shows that overemphasizing a vegetarian diet can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease due to nutritional imbalance.
Researchers from institutions such as the German Academy of Food Sciences, the Center for Applied Chemistry, and the University of Hanover surveyed more than 50 German vegetarians. The survey results showed that although the vegetarians had lower cholesterol levels, most of them showed symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which led to an increase in a substance in the blood called "homocysteine," and this substance can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also found that not eating meat may lead to lower levels of high-density lipoprotein in the blood, which is detrimental to cardiovascular health.
According to statistics released by the German Federal Statistical Office in mid-September, cardiovascular disease is the number one "killer" of Germans, causing almost half of the annual deaths in Germany.
Wu Rongxue, who holds dual doctorates in biology and medicine from the University of Würzburg, Germany, said in a telephone interview with Xinhua News Agency that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Germany is related to factors such as the German diet and work intensity. Germans mainly eat cheese and meat, and consume fewer vegetables. However, Wu Rongxue stated that this does not mean that cardiovascular patients should become vegetarian, as a balanced diet is most important for health.
In addition, Wu Rongxue also advised people to pay attention to a balance between work and rest and to maintain a pleasant mood. Research shows that mental depression can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.