A recent study highlights the benefits of a plant-forward diet for heart health among postmenopausal women. Researchers found that reducing processed foods, red meat, salt, and sugar while increasing the intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can lower the risk of various health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. This diet is also beneficial for the environment, as it contributes to decreased greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
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Presented at the NUTRITION 2026 conference, the study indicated that women whose diets closely followed the Planetary Health Diet had a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with lesser adherence. While these findings are promising, they have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS, a physician-scientist at RUSH University, emphasized the value of focusing research on older women, noting that cardiovascular risk escalates post-menopause due to age-related changes. He highlighted the potential of dietary modification to enhance heart health over time.
Eamon Laird, PhD, a lecturer in Nutrition at Atlantic Technological University, noted the interest in the findings but cautioned that further detailed analysis is needed since the study is observational.
The Planetary Health Diet—a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes—aligns with other dietary patterns like the Mediterranean and DASH diets. It encourages moderate consumption of fish, dairy, and meat while also considering cultural and regional eating habits and the environmental impact of food production.
Researchers analyzed dietary data from nearly 67,000 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative, with participants averaging 63.2 years old at enrollment and followed for a median of 8.2 years. They recorded 5,033 cardiovascular events, utilizing a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to determine adherence to the Planetary Health Diet.
The study found that for every 10-point increase in adherence to the diet, there was a corresponding reduction in the risks of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Holland remarked on the encouraging nature of these findings, underscoring that significant health improvements can occur with even moderate adherence to healthier eating habits.
Suggestions for incorporating beneficial dietary changes include filling half the plate with vegetables at each meal, choosing oily fish or legumes instead of processed meats, opting for whole grains, and reducing food waste through careful meal planning. Holland reiterated that consistently combining these lifestyle changes with regular exercise is one of the most effective strategies for promoting healthy aging and reducing cardiovascular disease risk.