The quality of dietary macronutrients, characterized by a predominance of plant-based foods over animal products and whole grains over refined carbohydrates, is a stronger determinant of coronary heart disease risk than the proportion of fat or carbohydrate intake.

Study: Effect of a 6-month vegan low-carbohydrate (‘Eco-Atkins’) diet on cardiovascular risk factors and body weight in hyperlipidaemic adults: a randomised controlled trial

This study found that eating a low-carb diet made of plants like nuts, soy, and vegetables was better for heart health than a high-carb vegetarian diet — even though the plant diet had more fat. This shows that what kind of food you eat (plants vs. processed carbs) matters more than just how much fat or carbs you eat.

Study: Healthful and Unhealthful Plant-Based Diets and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in U.S. Adults.

Eating more whole plants like whole grains, fruits, and nuts lowers heart disease risk, but eating lots of white bread, sugary drinks, or fries — even if they're plant-based — raises it. The study shows what you eat matters more than just how much fat or carbs you consume.

Study: Effect of Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets on Metabolomic Indices and Coronary Heart Disease in U.S. Individuals.

The study found that eating more plants and whole grains — no matter if you're eating low-carb or low-fat — lowers heart disease risk, while eating more meat and junk carbs raises it. So what you eat matters more than just how much fat or carbs you cut.

Study: The impact of PBD (plant-based diet) on atherosclerosis biomarkers in the risk and progression of coronary heart disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

This study found that eating mostly plants like veggies, fruits, beans, and whole grains — and less meat and processed foods — helps lower bad cholesterol and inflammation, which are big reasons people get heart disease. So yes, what kind of food you eat matters more than just how much fat or carbs are in it.