According to a research article by Lennon, a vegetarian diet can be beneficial in the treatment of 3 older people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) . Several studies have also highlighted the positive effects of vegetarian diets on the cardiovascular risk of heart disease and stroke (CHD). Shah et. al., (2018) conducted a study comparing a vegan diet with the recommended diet for 1 coronary artery disease by the American Heart Association (AHA) . The results showed 2 improvements in various health markers, including lipid profiles and glycemic markers . Cengiz and others highlighted that a vegetarian diet reduces the risk of CVD through its low saturated fat and cholesterol content bioactive compounds like soy protein and isoflavones, reducing the 2 LDL level . A meta-analysis by Wang examined the effects of different vegetarian diets on people with or at 5 high risk of CVD . Taking vegetarian diets improved measures like ldl-c hba1c and body weight, which was particularly beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes and individuals at elevated risk of 5 CVD . Another study demonstrated that a six-month vegetarian diet improved cholesterol 4 levels, blood sugar, and body weight in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease . A vegetarian diet for older people with CVD can also help reduce inflammation, boost lipids, and enhance heart health. Diets rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory fiber, and plant nutrients can lower cholesterol and suppress inflammation, thus reducing the risk of CVD. Pumpkin, a starchy vegetable, is rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene. Preparing pumpkin soup for the elderly with CVD is considered an adaptation of a heart-healthy vegetarian diet. Pumpkin soup is made with various ingredients, such as carrots that contain fiber and vitamins, squash with a hint of potassium and fiber, garlic, which possess anti-inflammatory properties, soy milk, which is rich in plant-based protein for good heart health, and tofu, which is a good source of additional protein without the saturated fat found in many animal products commonly consumed. The combination of vegetables in this recipe provides a highly nutrient-dense food 1 designed to support heart health by conditioning cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation . In conclusion, the evidence from the studies discussed proves that even for older adults suffering from CVD, a vegetarian diet still positively affects their health by lowering lipids levels, reducing inflammation in their body, and improving the overall function of their hearts. Based on all the gathered findings, it was proven that the recipe for oatmeal with scrambled pumpkin egg illustrated below contains every nutrient and benefit that is found in a vegetarian food, which is good for people with CVD. References 1 American Heart Association News. (2021, August 4). Eating a plant-based diet at any age may lower cardiovascular risk. Www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/08/04/eating-a-plant-based-diet-at-an y-age-may-lower-cardiovascular-risk 2 Babalola, F., Adesuyi, A., David, F., Kolajo, B.-B. A., Urhi, A., Akinade, O., Adedoyin, A. M., Alugba, G., Arisoyin, A. E., Okereke, O. P., Unedu, O. R., Aladejare, A. O., Oboasekhi, A. A., & Anugwom, G. O. (2022). A Comprehensive Review on the Effects of Vegetarian Diets on Coronary Heart Disease. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.29843 3 Lennon, A. (2023, August 2). CVD risk: Vegetarian diets may improve cholesterol, weight loss. Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vegetarian-dietary-patterns-m ay-reduce-cardiovascular-disease-risk 4 Sung Nim Han. (2023). Vegetarian Diet for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction: Cons. Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis, 12(3), 323–323. https://doi.org/10.12997/jla.2023.12.3.323 5 Wang, T., Kroeger, C. M., Cassidy, S., Mitra, S., Ribeiro, R. V., Jose, S., Masedunskas, A., Senior, A. M., & Fontana, L. (2023). Vegetarian Dietary Patterns and Cardiometabolic Risk in People With or at High Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 6(7), https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.25658 e2325658.
