A recent study has shown that a vegan diet high in nuts, fruits and vegetables can help slow the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and reduce the risk of a heart attack. The article says:
The study investigated the effects of a vegan diet in patients with RA on blood lipids, oxidised low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and natural atheroprotective antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PCs).
Study participants with active RA (N = 66) were randomly assigned to either a gluten-free, vegan diet (n = 38) or a well-balanced, nonvegan diet (n = 28) for 1 year. The researchers analysed blood lipids, oxLDL, and anti-PCs, while data and serum samples were obtained at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months.
The vegan diet included nuts, sunflower seeds, fruits and vegetables, millet, and corn. Sesame milk was provided as a daily source of calcium. Protein accounted for 10% of daily energy intake, carbohydrates for 60%, and fat for 30%.
...
The researchers found that participants assigned to the vegan diet showed a decrease in body mass index (BMI), LDL, and cholesterol after 3 and 12 months (P < .01). Their oxLDL also decreased after 3 months (P = .021) and trendwise after 12 months (P = .090). Immunoglobulin A anti-PC levels increased after 3 months (P = .027) and immunoglobulin M anti-PC levels increased trendwise after 12 months (P = .057).
In contrast, those on the nonvegan diet showed no significant variations in these levels.
Posted by: The String Bean
