One Way To Lower Heart Disease Risk? Eat A Plant-Based Dinner, Research Suggests

It's no secret that certain foods aren't as beneficial as others when it comes to our health, and particularly our heart health. However, what may come as a surprise is when we eat those not-so-healthful foods may be an important factor, too. In a new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers found eating animal protein and low-quality carbs1 at dinner could lead to worse health outcomes than at breakfast.

Participants reported their dietary habits, including what they ate for breakfast and dinner. The team then looked for associations between heart disease and certain fats, carbs, and proteins, as well as when they were eating them.

"It's always recommended to eat a healthy diet, especially for those at high risk for heart disease," he adds, "but we found that eating meat and refined carbs for breakfast instead of dinner was associated with a lower risk."

For plant-based inspiration, give this delicious and veggie-packed falafel bowl a try, or even this vegan ground "beef." And be sure to check out our top five tips for taking your plant-based cooking to the next level.