Dietary habits are the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Indeed, it has been recognized for many years that excessive consumption of fat increases the risk of mortality! In 2017, at a congress in Barcelona, a team of PURE researchers (Urban Urban Epidemiology) presented the results of a new study that has been the subject of much discussion. Indeed fats including saturated fats reduce mortality by 23%. Explications!
In recent years, the big bad of the diet is either fat or carbohydrates, some studies suggest low fat diets and other low carbs. But as research accumulates, it becomes clear that each individual's biology is so different that there is no single magic plan that applies to everyone.
The news, presented in Barcelona on August 29, 2017 at the European Congress of Cardiology 2017, shows that the population has a significant health problem. Indeed, many people consume too much simple carbohydrates and little fats.
All about this study
The study covered people aged 35 to 70 from 18 countries in various regions, including the Middle East, South America, Africa, China, North America and Europe. and South Asia. She examined the links between diet, cardiovascular disease and death. Participants conducted follow-up visits to the research team at least every three years to record information on cardiovascular diseases (fatal heart attacks, cardiovascular deaths and non-cardiovascular deaths).
Canadian study suggests reduced carbohydrate and increased fat consumption
Although current recommendations dictate reducing saturated fat consumption to less than 10%, the study found that a very low intake of saturated fat (less than 3%) was associated with a higher risk of mortality. diets with higher intake of saturated fat up to 13%.
Dr. Mahshid Dehghan, lead author of the study at McMaster University in Canada, says the focus on promoting low-fat diets does not take into account that most people's diets Low- and middle-income countries are very rich in carbohydrates, which seems to be linked to worse health outcomes. In low- and middle-income countries, where diets sometimes contain more than 65% of energy from carbohydrates, the guidelines should refocus their attention on reducing carbohydrate intake, rather than focusing on fat reduction.
The researcher adds that the best diets will include a balance of carbohydrates and fats, about 50-55% carbohydrates and about 35% total lipids, including saturated and unsaturated fats. It is important to note that the study did not look at trans fats, usually from processed foods, and it is clear that they are unhealthy.
According to the same study, on average, carbohydrate intake was highest in China (67%), South Asia (65.4%) and Africa (63.3%). Total fat intake was highest in North America and Europe (30.5%), the Middle East (30.3%) and South East Asia (29.2%).
The study authors note that existing global guidelines recommend that 50 to 65% of a person's daily calories come from carbohydrates and less than 10% saturated fats, but this is mostly based on evidence from North America. North and Europe, while ignoring other countries.
Dr. Christopher Ramsden and Dr. Anthony Domenichiello of the National Institute on Aging in the United States commented on the results of this study, explaining that: The relationships between diet, cardiovascular disease and death are topics of major importance to public health and a great deal of controversy. They add that the first results of PURE challenge the classic principles of diet and diseases that are based largely on observations in the European and North American populations.
Now, well-designed randomized controlled trials must be done to define a healthy diet.
