J Am Coll Nutr. 1995 Oct;14(5):491-6. doi: 10.1080/07315724.1995.10718541.

Rapid reduction of serum cholesterol and blood pressure by a twelve-day, very low fat, strictly vegetarian diet.

Journal of the American College of Nutrition

J McDougall, K Litzau, E Haver, V Saunders, G A Spiller

PMID: 8522729 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.1995.10718541

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of a strictly vegetarian, very low-fat diet on cardiac risk factor modification.

METHODS: Five hundred men and women, participants in an intensive 12-day live-in program, were studied. The program focused on dietary modification, moderate exercise, and stress management at a hospital-based health-center.

RESULTS: During this short time period, cardiac risk factors improved: there was an average reduction of total serum cholesterol of 11% (p < 0.001), of blood pressure of 6% (p < 0.001) and a weight loss of 2.5 kg for men and 1 kg for women. Serum triglycerides did not increase except for two subgroups: females age > or = 65 years with serum cholesterol < 6.5 mmol/L and for females 50 to 64 years with baseline serum cholesterol between 5.2-6.5 mmol/L. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol measured on 66 subjects decreased by 19%.

CONCLUSION: A strict, very low-fat vegetarian diet free from all animal products combined with lifestyle changes that include exercise and weight loss is an effective way to lower serum cholesterol and blood pressure.

Substances

• Cholesterol

MeSH terms

• Aged
• Cholesterol / blood
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Diet, Fat-Restricted*
• Diet, Vegetarian*
• Exercise Therapy
• Female
• Humans
• Hypercholesterolemia / blood
• Hypercholesterolemia / diet therapy
• Hypercholesterolemia / therapy
• Hypertension / blood
• Hypertension / diet therapy
• Hypertension / therapy
• Life Style
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Relaxation Therapy
• Residential Treatment
• Weight Loss

Publication Types

• Journal Article