New research suggests that most plant-based meat alternatives are healthier for your heart than the real thing. Anastasiya Mihailovna/Getty Images * A new study indicates that plant-based meats can be good for your heart. * They were found to be linked with reduced cardiovascular risk factors. * However, another says ultra-processed plant-based foods appear to increase risk. * The discrepancy may lie in whether foods are high in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar. * It’s important to read labels on processed plant-based foods to avoid these. While one recent study indicates that plant-based ultra-processed foods might increase the risk of heart disease and early death, a systematic review and meta-analysis, including 12 controlled trials, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) might be an exception, actually helping to improve cardiovascular health. According to the study, while the nutritional
