Replacing dairy with plant-based alternatives may decrease which health risk?

Replacing dairy with plant-based alternatives may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease for several reasons. Plant-based alternatives are often lower in saturated fats compared to traditional dairy products. High saturated fat intake is linked to increased cholesterol levels, which is a significant contributor to cardiovascular issues.

Furthermore, many plant-based options are enriched with heart-healthy nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. For example, options like almond milk or soy yogurt typically contain beneficial nutrients that support heart health while being less calorie-dense than dairy.

In addition, individuals who consume a diet rich in plant-based foods often have better overall dietary patterns, including higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—all of which contribute positively to heart health and may lower inflammation.

While the other health risks mentioned—diabetes, osteoporosis, and obesity—can also be influenced by dietary choices, the direct association between plant-based diets and reduced cardiovascular disease risk is particularly well-supported in the literature. Hence, this is the most relevant health risk likely to decrease with the switch from dairy to plant-based alternatives.