A hopeful report emerged from the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session held in March, 2025. The report mirrors the epidemiological findings of the Blue Zones, studies of the Mediterranean Diet, and the ground-breaking China Study, a collaboration among Cornell University’s T. Colin Campbell, PhD., and his nutrition scientist colleagues from Beijing University, and Oxford University.

In this recent study, data gathered from 78,000 people in the US, UK, and China, all previously diagnosed with cardio-metabolic disorders [like obesity and heart disease] agreed to have their diets evaluated. Of particular interest to the researchers was subjects’ intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes [beans: soy, kidney, pinto, great northern, black, butter, etc.], and tea.

Despite the risks posed by their obesity, and heart disease, subjects who adhered to a plant-based diet were found to be up to a 24% lower risk of death from any cause. Study subjects who consumed animal protein foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages had an increased risk of death of up to 36%.

What is positive about this report is new evidence we often have agency over the quality of our lives, and the length of our lives, despite the influence of genetics, and/or physical conditions. The decision to consume a plant-based diet, while increasing physical activity, rarely leads to regrets. That is putting it mildly. Reducing physical suffering while increasing the length of our lives…now that is a very good thing.

Dateline: Town of Colonie, Albany County, New York’s Capital Region