Eastern Chinese coastal diet linked to 22% lower cardiovascular risk in 8,900-person cohort study

Researchers led by Professor Zhu Shankuan from Zhejiang University's School of Public Health have identified a regionally specific dietary pattern in China's eastern coastal region south of the Yangtze River and linked it to significantly lower cardiovascular risk and abdominal obesity. Using data from 8,931 participants in the WELL-China cohort, the team defined the EastDiet as comprising higher intakes of vegetables, fruits, seafood, whole grains, dairy, nuts, and eggs; lower intakes of refined rice, red meat, and fried foods; and distinctive Chinese elements including greater consumption of freshwater fish, starchy tubers and roots, soy products, and edible fungi. Nearly half (46%) of participants adhered to this pattern, with adherence more common among women and older adults. This group showed, on average, a 22% lower risk of major cardiovascular events and a 17% lower risk of abdominal obesity. Among men, cardiovascular risk reduction reached 36%. The association with central obesity was replicated in an independent cohort. Further analysis found favorable metabolomic and gut microbial signatures associated with the EastDiet that were linked to reduced risks of central obesity and major adverse cardiovascular events. The study involved collaboration with the National Institute for Nutrition and Health under the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Nutrilite Health Institute.