How Vegan Diets Harden Arteries

A comprehensive review of the vegetarian scientific literature¹ has found that vegans, strict vegetarians who eat no meat or animal products, have increased rates of developing blood clots and hardening of the arteries.

The researchers found that their diets lack vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement. leading to a problematic combination of elevated homocysteine It is a homologue of the amino acid cysteine that is synthesized from methionine An essential amino acid which serves as a methyl donor and is involved with the biosynthesis of other nutrients. Improper conversion is associated with production of homocysteine and atherosclerosis. which requires adequate Folic Acid, B12, and B6 to function properly. Elevated levels have been associated with heart disease, thrombosis, strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and other disorders. (a plaque forming irritant that also causes platelets to stick together) and depressed levels of the protective HDL Cholesterol High-density lipoprotein that is one of five lipoproteins that enable cholesterol and triglycerides to be transported within the bloodstream to the liver and to the adrenals, ovaries, or testes for the production of steroid hormones. . 

I would also add, the struggle to ingest adequate protein down-regulates liver function, and makes such individuals more sensitive to pollution, which then elevates in the blood and aggravates the above-mentioned issues. 

A vegan diet runs the risk of nutrient malnutrition that ironically leads to heart disease. On the flip side is the junk food American diet, high in poor-quality animal meat, excess fat, excess sugar, and excess salt. Somewhere between lies a really good diet. This is based on fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs/spices, high quality protein and fat from a variety of sources and raised in the best possible conditions and not consumed in excess.

All vegans should at least use a high-quality multiple vitamin and take DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement..