According to a new study, diets that replaced red meat with healthy plant proteins led to decreases in risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study makes specific comparisons between diets high in red meat versus diets high in other types of foods and it shows that substituting red meat with high-quality protein sources lead to more favorable changes in cardiovascular risk factors.

Researchers found that diets higher in high-quality plant protein sources such as legumes, soy, and nuts resulted in lower levels of both total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol compared to diets with red meat.

The authors of the study recommend adherence to healthy vegetarian and Mediterranean-style diets, both for their health benefits and to promote environmental sustainability.