PhD defence X. (Xiangjun) Wang

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

This PhD thesis investigated how plant-based diets relate to cardiometabolic health, including conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. While plant-based diets are often considered healthy, not all plant-based foods provide the same benefits. Therefore, this research focused on distinguishing between healthy plant-based diets (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes) and unhealthy plant-based diets (high in refined grains, sugary foods, and processed products).

Using data from large population-based cohort studies, we found that individuals who adhered more closely to healthy plant-based diets had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and showed more favorable levels of key health markers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose. In contrast, unhealthy plant-based diets were associated with poorer health outcomes.

To better understand why these differences occur, we used advanced techniques such as metabolomics and gut microbiome analysis. These showed that healthy plant-based diets are linked to beneficial metabolic profiles and a more diverse and favorable gut microbiota, both of which are important for maintaining good health.

We also found that a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy plant-based diet, can reduce the risk of heart disease even among individuals with a high genetic predisposition.

Overall, this thesis highlights that the quality of plant-based diets is crucial for cardiometabolic health and supports the development of more personalized and effective dietary recommendations.