American Heart Association Recommends Plant-Based Protein Over Meat
Updated American Heart Association guidelines for improving cardiovascular health recommend prioritizing plant-based proteins (such as legumes and nuts) over meat, and replacing full-fat dairy and saturated animal fats with plant-based unsaturated fats. They also emphasize high-fiber, low-cholesterol diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and minimally processed foods, while limiting added sugar, salt, and alcohol.
References
Lichtenstein A, Khera A, Anderson C, et al. 2026 dietary guidance to improve cardiovascular health: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2026. Published online March 31, 2026. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001435