Plant-Based Diets and Meal Timing

If you’ve seen the growing number of studies on plant-based diets and their related health benefits but can’t bring yourself to adopt a plant-only diet full stop, there may be a less demanding option. According to a study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, eating a plant-based meal at dinnertime may be enough to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

Based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data of nearly 28,000 adults in the U.S., putting only plants—including legumes and whole grains—on your dinner plate could slash your risk for cardiovascular disease by 10%. The study also found that individuals who consumed a lot of fatty meats and refined carbohydrates (like white pasta) during dinner had greater odds of developing poor heart health than those who consumed the same foods during breakfast.

So it appears that it’s not just the quality of the food you eat but also the timing of your meals that influences heart health. It’s worth ending the day on a good note by trading in beef for beans more often.

See also: Plant-Based Foods Curb Chronic Disease