People in Korea who eat more healthy plant-based foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains tend to have lower bad cholesterol levels, which might be why they’re less likely to have heart problems.

Men in Korea who eat more healthy plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have a 20% lower chance of having a heart attack or heart disease in the next 10 years, compared to those who eat less of these foods.

For Korean men over 40, eating a lot of unhealthy plant foods like sugary snacks and refined carbs doesn’t seem to raise heart disease risk for most people—but if you’re overweight or have a big belly, it might actually hurt your heart.

In Korean men over 40 who are overweight or have a big waistline, eating more unhealthy plant-based foods like sugary snacks and refined carbs is linked to a much higher chance of having a heart attack or heart disease in the next 10 years.

People who eat lots of plants like fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole grains, don’t smoke, stay active, and get just the right amount of sleep are 22% less likely to get heart disease, especially if they stick to this lifestyle really well.

Eating more healthy plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, and beans is linked to a lower risk of heart disease—even when you account for common health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. This suggests these foods protect your heart in ways that go beyond just fixing those common issues.