American researchers have found that switching to plant-based fats improves survival rates in men with non-metastatic prostate cancer, according to infohub.kz.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that replacing saturated animal fats with plant-based alternatives significantly reduces overall mortality among men who have had prostate cancer. The research included data from nearly 5,000 patients with non-metastatic disease, followed for 32 years.
Results showed that high intake of saturated fats from foods like red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy was associated with a 24% increased risk of death from all causes. In contrast, when participants replaced just 10% of daily calories from animal fats with plant fats, overall mortality risk dropped by 16%. The most pronounced protective effect was due to reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease and other non-prostate cancer causes. No direct link was found between diet and prostate cancer-specific death.
The authors note that the beneficial properties of plant fats, found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts, are due to reduced inflammatory markers and improved metabolic profiles. They emphasize that the findings do not advocate strict veganism but recommend making plant-based foods a staple to protect heart and blood vessels.