Question

As part of a nutrition class project, Regina is following Dr. Dean Ornish's purely vegetarian (vegan) diet plan for one month. Her diet has less than 20% of calories from fat and uses only small amounts of vegetable oil in cooking and those naturally present in plant foods. If she were at risk for cardiovascular disease and if she continued on this diet, what is one expected outcome that may be attributable to the diet's high carbohydrate content?

A) Increased LDL levels
B) Reduced blood pressure
C) Weight loss
D) Improved insulin sensitivity
E) Decreased HDL levels

Answer 1

Continuing on Dr. Dean Ornish's vegan diet plan high in carbohydrates may lead to improved insulin sensitivity, weight loss, and reduced blood pressure, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Regina continues on Dr. Dean Ornish's vegan diet plan, one expected outcome associated with the diet's high carbohydrate content may be improved insulin sensitivity. High-carbohydrate diets, particularly those rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can improve blood sugar control and make the body's cells more responsive to insulin.

Additionally, because the diet is low in fat, particularly saturated fat, it may help with weight loss and reduced blood pressure, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. However, it is critical that this diet includes a variety of plant-based foods to ensure adequate intake of all essential nutrients, especially since plant protein sources can be lower in one or more essential amino acids and certain vitamins and minerals can be harder to obtain in a vegan diet.