on PinterestNew research indicates that diet quality matters for cardiovascular health. Nikolay_Donetsk/Getty ImagesThe quality of a low carb or low fat diet may be more important for heart health than the amount of fat and carbohydrates consumed.
on PinterestNew research indicates that diet quality matters for cardiovascular health. Nikolay_Donetsk/Getty Images
- The quality of a low carb or low fat diet may be more important for heart health than the amount of fat and carbohydrates consumed.
- Healthy versions of low fat and low carb diets that prioritized plant-based foods, whole grains, and unsaturated fats were associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease.
- Unhealthy versions of the same diets high in refined carbohydrates, animal fats, and proteins were associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease.
The quality and content of low-carbohydrate (carb) and low fat diets may be more important in reducing heart disease risk than the amount of fat or carbs consumed.
New research shows that healthy versions of low carb and low fat diets that emphasized plant-based foods, unsaturated fats, and whole grains were associated with a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
The findings were published on February 11 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology
“Our findings highlighted that it’s not simply about cutting carbs or fat, but it’s about the quality of foods people choose to construct those diets,” Zhiyuan Wu, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and lead author of the study, said in a press statement.
“The efficacy of low carb and low fat diets in reducing CHD risk is a topic of ongoing debate, and past studies showed mixed findings. Focusing only on nutrient compositions but not food quality may not lead to health benefits,” Wu continued.
Low carb, low fat diets and cardiovascular risk
In conducting their study, the researchers examined data from nearly 200,000 participants across three large studies. Data gathered included more than 30 years of follow-up with each participant.
During that time, 20,033 cases of coronary heart disease were noted.
Participants’ dietary patterns were assessed using food frequency questionnaires.
The role of diet quality in low carb and low fat diets has until now remained unknown. The study is regarded as one of the most comprehensive analyses to date related to diet quality, metabolomic profiles, and coronary heart disease risk.
The researchers found that unhealthy versions of low fat and low carb diets that were high in animal-based fat and protein and refined carbohydrates were associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease.
Those who ate a healthier diet pattern that included whole grains, unsaturated fats, and plant-based foods had lower levels of inflammation, lower triglycerides, and higher HDL cholesterol.
Effects of diet quality on coronary heart disease risk
Oana Penciu, MD, a cardiologist with Keck Medicine of USC, who was not part of the study, said the findings are important.
“It’s not a surprise, but it’s the verdict we’ve been waiting for. For years, the debate over ‘low carb’ versus ‘low fat’ diets has been muddled by inconsistent research results. This study resolves years of conflicting data by showing that quality, not just quantity, is the missing variable,” Penciu told Healthline.
“This aligns with prior trials such as CORDIOPREV and DIETFITS, which showed that healthy
Uzziniet vairāk par matu transplantācija klīnikā Rubenhair.
Saņemiet bezmaksas konsultāciju
Konsultējieties ar mūsu speciālistiem par FUE procedūru, PRP terapiju vai matu transplantāciju.
