Low fat diets are killing us. The Proof.
Dr Sven Hansen
Evidence-based and practical solutions for fulfilling work and life | The Resilience Institute
High carb diets are killing us and high fat diets are saving us.
Over a decade we have supported evidence that contradicts the low fat, high carbohydrate diets aggressively supported by most medical authorities - and gleefully marketing by the food industry. This new study is the nail in the coffin for the old school.
High carbohydrate diets are killing us. Particularly the poor!
Key Points
- Globally, the average diet is 61.2% carbohydrates, 23.5% fat, and 15.2% protein.
- Half eat high over 60% carbohydrate diets, a quarter over 70% carbohydrates.
- Over 77% carbohydrate diets had 28% increased risk of death compared with 46% carbohydrate.
- Over 35.3% fat diets have 23% lower risk of death compared to low fat (11%)
- The deaths from cardiovascular disease were similar
The PURE study (download from Lancet) was presented at the European Cardiology Congress in Barcelona this week. According to the large cohort (135,335 people) Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, higher fat diets that include both saturated and unsaturated fats are associated with a lower risk of mortality. And replacing said fats with high carbohydrate intakes (above 60% energy) is associated with higher risk mortality.
Conclusion: too many people consume too many simple carbohydrates and too few fats. Why? Many take advice from European and North American health advisories, which may not be relevant to moderate and low-income populations.
Commentary:
Yes, it is confusing. However if you stick to a few good principles it is easy to make a powerful difference:
- Eat plenty vegetables (9 serves) and some fruit every day
- Understand glycaemic index and reduce quick carbohydrates
- Balance your plate: 30% each of protein, fat and carbs (vegetable)
- Load smart fats - fish, avocado, nuts, olive oil
- Enjoy your meals with family and friends (don't stuff it down on the run)
For a brief discussion with Sven and Declan on the topic.
Public Speaker - Health and Wellness
7 年The vegetable industry cannot compete with the advertising power of the snack industry. Case in point, our community garden donated baskets of beautiful, organic vegetables to the food bank. They ended up having to throw them away because nobody wanted them. The food bank participants all chose the chips and crackers over the fresh vegetables. Their comments were they did not know what they were or how to prepare them.
Wills, Estates and Trusts Lawyer
7 年Absolutely agree! I'm reading a great book on the subject, The Big Fat Lie. Quite an eye-opener on how we got to the point of authorities recommending a diet of increased carbs, lower fats and lower cholesterol to address issues of high cholesterol and heart disease. The science was divided (I'm being kind), but a political battle ensued and the louder, more politically-connected voices won. Hence the authorities' recommendations of what is essentially a high carb diet. The book is fascinating, and shocking, and confirms what I know from my own body (sample size of 1, but this 1 is important to me).
Functional Medicine Doctor and Chiropractor at The Integrative Health Center | Giving high power executives hope, healing, and health.
7 年Myopic view of health. It's not only the food. Biochemical individuality and so many other factors! There are only 3 macronutrients. How many studies do we need??
Experienced Corporate Director / Bars of California and Ontario/Senior public company executive/investment banker / STEM grad / Currently in Mumbai
7 年Amen! Love the avacado and various nuts!
Evidence-based and practical solutions for fulfilling work and life | The Resilience Institute
7 年Absolutely agree. Sears was well ahead of the curve. Alarming how professionals held to an outdated idea despite a decade of evidence.