The role of nutrition in preventing non-communicable diseases has been widely studied in recent years, with indications that non-animal-based diets might improve body composition and therefore bring multiple health benefits.

Despite no significant differences in cardiovascular risk, vegetarians had lower total, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol levels, suggesting better cardiometabolic health. However, cardiovascular risk seems to be more influenced by body fat distribution, than dietary pattern alone. These findings highlight the complexity of diet and health, suggesting that diet quality and body composition are crucial for cardiovascular risk management.