Eating mostly whole plant foods like fruits, veggies, beans, and grains is linked to fewer chronic diseases, living longer, and being better for the planet—so it’s a win-win for people and Earth.

Just because a diet is plant-based doesn’t mean it’s healthy — eating lots of veggies and nuts is good, but eating lots of sugary drinks and white bread is bad, even if they’re plant-based.

Eating more plants instead of animal foods might slightly lower your risk of heart disease, but only if those plants are healthy—like vegetables and whole grains—not junk food like soda or fries.

If you eat a lot of plant-based foods like white bread, soda, fries, and candy instead of healthy plants like vegetables and whole grains, you might be more likely to get heart disease—even if you don’t eat any meat. It’s not just about avoiding animal products; what kind of plants you eat matters.

People who eat more plants and less meat and dairy tend to have an 8% lower chance of getting heart disease, at least among U.S. health workers.

A dietary pattern emphasizing whole plant foods with moderate inclusion of lean animal products provides adequate protein, fiber, phytonutrients, and healthy fats while minimizing atherogenic risk factors.