A new study has revealed that plant based vegetarian diet is effective in reducing cardiovascular risk in obese children. According to Cleveland Clinic research, obese children who begin a very low-fat, plant based vegetarian diet may have lesser chance of getting heart disease through variations in their weight, blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity and high sensitivity C-reactive.

The four-week study compared a plant-based vegan diet to the American Heart Association (AHA) diet in 28 obese children with high cholesterol between the ages of 9 and 18. One parent of each child also followed the assigned diet plan.

Those on the plant-based diet consumed plants and whole grains, with limited avocado and nuts, no added fat, and no animal products and these children experienced significant improvements in nine measures: BMI, systolic blood pressure, weight, mid-arm circumference, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and insulin, as well as two common markers of heart disease, myeloperoxidase and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Therefore plant based diets are said to be effective, if at all they are wisely used.

Those on American Heart Association diet, had more of vegetables, whole grains and non-whole grains, limited sodium, low-fat dairy, selected plant oils, lean meat and fish in moderation.