Study Plant-based nutrition can prevent inflammation

Obesity is often associated with chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. A research team has now found evidence that overweight people can significantly improve their inflammatory marker profile through a plant-based diet.

Vegetable diet protects against inflammation. Image: dream79 - fotolia

The scientists have evaluated 29 scientific papers that examined the effects of a plant-based diet on the inflammatory marker levels of overweight people. The analysis shows that the values ​​of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased by an average of 0.55 mg / l and the values ​​for interleukin-6 by 0.25 ng / l in a plant-rich diet compared to a control diet.

A plant-based diet is defined as being based primarily on foods such as vegetables, grains, legumes and fruits. In addition, it contains no or very little meat, but may include moderate amounts of eggs, dairy products and fish.

Why does overweight promote inflammatory reactions?
The body's fat deposits not only store energy but also release messenger substances. Since some of these substances promote inflammatory processes in the body, inflammatory marker levels in the blood of overweight people are often elevated. A condition which, in turn, is associated with a significantly increased risk of metabolic diseases. (Pm)