In January 2019 researchers from the USA published their review to assess whether diets with normal levels of fat can reverse coronary artery disease. The researchers stated that whilst coronary artery disease is treated with medications, it can also respond to lifestyle interventions. In fact a low-fat plant-based diet designed to reverse the condition has been shown to be effective. However, evidence is now accumulating which appears to show that atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease may be reversed with diets containing normal levels of fat. It is known that fats of plant origin decrease the risk factors of cardiovascular disease and that vegans who consume diets with normal levels of fat have the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, recent studies have shown that atherosclerosis decreased when nuts, which are rich in fat, were added to a Mediterranean diet, whilst atherosclerosis increased in control groups. Two studies have also shown that coronary artery disease was reversed when low-fat plant-based diets were supplemented with fat-rich foods of plant origin. There is therefore evidence that coronary artery disease may be reversed with a diet containing normal levels of fat from plant sources. The researchers therefore concluded that coronary artery disease may be reversed by diets with normal levels of fat of plant origin that are low in saturated fat content. However, further research is required which compares a traditional low-fat plant-based diet with a plant-based diet containing normal levels of fat of plant origin to assess their effectiveness to reverse coronary artery disease.
Sanchez A et al. Diets with customary levels of fat from plant origin may reverse coronary artery disease. Med Hypotheses. 2019 Jan;122:103-105.