Cholesterol

Study discovers a component of meat is transformed into a very dangerous compound by gut bacteria

L-carnitine is a substance found mostly in red meat, smaller amounts are also in chicken meat, eggs and dairy, and even smaller amounts are found in beans and avocados. A pioneering study set out to investigate what happens to this substance when digested by either vegans or meat-eaters because the two diet groups have such different gut bacteria it was assumed likely to determine the end product.

Scientific review shows vegan diets are truly the best for your heart

Scientific review shows how and why a vegan diet can be a lifesaver

A comprehensive review of research studies on diets and cardiovascular health made perfectly clear how amazing a healthy vegan diet can be. The scientists came to these conclusions about what a wholesome plant-based diet can do for your heart:

The American Heart Association published an advisory on fats and heart disease to give a clear warning against saturated fats

Nurses from across the US were recruited to try veganism and the results are astonishing

Nineteen nurses participated in a nutrition educational program by following a plant-based diet for 21 days. The aim was to improve their knowledge of plant-based nutrition and experience its benefits. They were encouraged to eat fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, pulses and nuts and seeds; cut out meat, seafood,dairy products and eggs and limit highly refined foods, such as white flour, oils and sugar.

According to a new study published in May 2015, a low-fat vegan diet can reduce the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain frequently experienced by diabetics). In this pilot study, diabetics were either assigned to a low-fat vegan diet or to a control group with no diet change. Everyone was given a vitamin B12 supplement for the 20 weeks of the study and at the end, the vegan group achieved improved blood-sugar control with some patients needing to have their medication reduced.