RAPID REDUCTION OF SERUM-CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD-PRESSURE BY A 12-DAY, VERY-LOW FAT, STRICTLY VEGETARIAN DIET

Objective: This study was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness o f a strictly vegetarian, very low-fat diet on cardiac risk factor modi fication. Methods: Five hundred men and women, participants in an inte nsive 12-day live-in program, were studied. The program focused on die tary modification, moderate exercise, and stress management at a hospi tal-based health-center. Results: During this short time period, cardi ac risk factors improved: there was an average reduction of total seru m 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 triglyce rides did not increase except for two subgroups: females age greater t han or equal to 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 f ree from al animal products combined with lifestyle changes that inclu de exercise and weight loss is an effective way to lower serum cholest erol and blood pressure.