My bloodwork improved after going plant-based
Went fully plant-based 8 months ago. Just got bloodwork and wanted to share:
- Total cholesterol: 220 → 165
- LDL: 140 → 95
- Triglycerides: 165 → 110
- Blood pressure: 135/85 → 118/74
Also lost 22 lbs without counting calories. Just eating whole-food plant-based. I feel like a new person.
Impressive results! Whole-food plant-based diets have strong evidence for cardiovascular improvements. The combination of increased fiber, reduced saturated fat, and phytonutrients creates a powerful effect.
Make sure you're supplementing B12 (no plant source), and consider D3 and omega-3 (algae-based DHA/EPA).
Welcome to the club! These numbers are typical for people who go whole-food plant-based. The fiber increase alone does wonders for cholesterol.
Devil's advocate: was it going plant-based specifically, or was it eliminating processed food and eating more vegetables? Someone going from junk food to a whole-food omnivore diet would likely see similar improvements.
@DietDebunker Fair point. I definitely cleaned up my diet overall, not just dropped meat. But the research does show plant-based diets specifically lower LDL more than even "healthy" omnivore diets. Both can work though.
Congrats on the health improvements! Genuinely happy for you even though I'm on the opposite end of the dietary spectrum lol. Goes to show there's more than one path to health.
I could never give up meat but I respect the results. Maybe I should at least eat MORE plants even if I don't go fully plant-based.
Plant-based diets are amazing for the gut microbiome. The fiber diversity feeds a wide range of beneficial bacteria. I bet your gut health improved too.
How's your protein intake? That's the main concern I hear from people considering plant-based. I aim for 120g/day and it requires intentional planning.