Legacy of Redlining and Structural Inequalities Fueling America’s Heart Health Crisis
Plus, The Role of a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet
Recent findings from the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024 highlight a growing health crisis: structural inequalities and lack of access to whole, healthy foods are significantly increasing heart disease and related illnesses across the U.S.
‘‘Redlining's legacy persists, leaving many urban areas with limited access to nutritious food. This creates 'food deserts' where heart disease, diabetes, and other diet-related illnesses thrive. Addressing these inequities requires systemic change, with a focus on healthy, affordable, plant-based food access.’’
While these issues are complex and multi-faceted, research shows that a 100% whole-food plant-based diet may be a powerful solution to combat these alarming health trends—particularly in communities that have been historically marginalized and underserved.
Redlining’s Lasting Impact on Health Inequities
A pivotal study presented by Dr. Rebekah J. Walker of the University at Buffalo examined more than 11,000 U.S. Census tracts across 38 states to explore how historical redlining impacts present-day health outcomes. Her research found that neighborhoods once marked as “hazardous” zones due to redlining—a racially biased policy of the 1930s that labeled Black and immigrant communities as “high risk”—have persistently high rates of diet-related illnesses.
Redlined areas, which were cut off from mortgage and investment opportunities, still struggle with disinvestment today. Residents in these neighborhoods face limited access to nutritious food, a legacy of structural inequality that has created “food deserts” filled with convenience stores selling highly processed, low-nutrient foods.
The Health Benefits of a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet
Increasing access to a 100% whole-food, plant-based diet could offer transformative health benefits to these communities, significantly reducing the rates of chronic illnesses. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity—all conditions prevalent in communities impacted by redlining.
1. Reduced Inflammation and Blood Pressure: Plant-based diets have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in fiber, which can reduce blood pressure, improve artery function, and lower bad cholesterol—all factors critical for heart health.
2. Diabetes Prevention and Management: Plant-based diets are linked with improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, which can help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. Research also shows that people following plant-based diets tend to have lower body weights, which reduces their diabetes risk.
3. Weight Management: Whole-food plant-based diets are naturally lower in calories and high in fiber, which promotes satiety and weight loss, reducing the risk of obesity, a major contributor to heart disease.
How Limited Access to Whole Foods Impacts Health
Many urban neighborhoods in redlined areas still lack affordable, nutritious food options. With few grocery stores offering fresh produce and whole grains, residents rely heavily on processed foods from corner stores. These foods are typically high in sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, which increase the risk of diet-related diseases. For communities facing these challenges, a shift toward a whole-food plant-based diet isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential to addressing the health disparities exacerbated by food insecurity.
Policy and Community Initiatives to Bridge the Gap
Efforts are underway to help these communities overcome access barriers to nutritious food. Programs that introduce mobile produce markets and community gardens in food deserts have shown promise in increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Some advocacy groups are pushing for policy changes to encourage grocery store chains to open in underserved areas, while others are focusing on educational programs to raise awareness of the benefits of a plant-based diet.
A Path Forward: Empowering Communities with Nutritional Equity
Transitioning to a whole-food plant-based diet could greatly improve heart health in communities affected by redlining’s legacy of inequality. However, for lasting change, these efforts must be supported by policies that dismantle barriers to healthy food access and investment in local resources.
This means a concerted effort from policymakers, health organizations, and community leaders to ensure everyone has access to the knowledge and resources needed to make healthier choices. Promoting the benefits of a whole-food plant-based diet, paired with strategic investments in food access, can transform the health landscape of previously neglected communities, helping to break the cycle of disinvestment, poor nutrition, and chronic illness.
Sources:
The information presented in this article is based on research findings from the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024. For further details, you can refer to the following sources:
American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2024: https://professional.heart.org/en/meetings/scientific-sessions
Study on Redlining and Health Inequities: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/heart-disease-more-common-past-123000821.html
Impact of Food Deserts on Heart Disease: https://vegnews.com/food-deserts-health-gaps-americas-heart-disease-crisis
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