In a 1990 trial, 82% of participants on a low-fat vegetarian diet with exercise and stress management saw a reversal in the narrowing of their arteries after one year.

The DASH diet was particularly effective at reducing non-calcified plaque, which is softer and poses a greater risk for heart events than calcified plaque.

Plaque begins to develop when LDL cholesterol is above 50-60 mg/dL, and some literature suggests the ideal level is the 20-40 mg/dL present at birth.

Contrary to older advice, recent trials show that diets rich in healthy unsaturated fats, like the Mediterranean diet, are more effective at reducing plaque than traditional low-fat diets.

A 30-year observational study found that individuals with the highest protein intake, primarily from plant sources, had a 46% lower risk of heart disease.

The speaker mentions taking a supplement called 'microvitamin' to ensure adequate potassium intake, which helps lower blood pressure.

In the PREDIMED study, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts decreased artery wall thickness, while the group using extra virgin olive oil showed no significant change.