Diet and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are leading causes of death in the US.
• Poor diet is now the primary risk factor for mortality, surpassing smoking.
• Life expectancy has plateaued due to stagnant CVD mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of diet in CVD and cancer pathogenesis.
• To review evidence supporting whole-food plant-based diets for disease prevention.
• To emphasize the need for implementation science to promote dietary changes.

Main Methods:

• Review of observational and emerging trial data on whole-food plant-based diets.
• Analysis of the Standard American Diet's deficiencies and risks.
• Discussion of implementation science strategies for dietary pattern shifts.

Main Results:

• Growing evidence supports predominantly whole-food plant-based diets for CVD and cancer prevention.
• The Standard American Diet, high in red meat and ultraprocessed foods, is detrimental.
• Dietary shifts are necessary to address rising mortality and plateauing life expectancy.

Conclusions:

• Whole-food plant-based diets offer significant benefits for preventing major chronic diseases.
• Addressing the public health crisis requires making healthy eating the easier choice.
• Implementation science is key to translating nutritional knowledge into widespread dietary change.