Low-Fat Diet Does Not Cut Health Risks, Study Finds
posted by CS | 10:49 AM 
I just can't believe it. The federal gov't spent $415 million wisely and actually came to conclusions that are spot-on accurate and what has driven many of us (myself included) to avoid the low-fat way-of-eating like the plague.
Low-Fat Diet Does Not Cut Health Risks, Study Finds
By GINA KOLATA
The largest study ever to ask whether a low-fat diet reduces the risk of getting cancer or heart disease has found that the diet has no effect.
The $415 million federal study involved nearly 49,000 women ages 50 to 79 who were followed for eight years. In the end, those assigned to a low-fat diet had the same rates of breast cancer, colon cancer, heart attacks and strokes as those who ate whatever they pleased, researchers are reporting today.
"These studies are revolutionary," said Dr. Jules Hirsch, physician in chief emeritus at Rockefeller University in New York City, who has spent a lifetime studying the effects of diets on weight and health. "They should put a stop to this era of thinking that we have all the information we need to change the whole national diet and make everybody healthy."
The study, published in today's issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, was not just an ordinary study, said Dr. Michael Thun, who directs epidemiological research for the American Cancer Society. It was so large and so expensive, Dr. Thun said, that it was "the Rolls-Royce of studies." As such, he added, it is likely to be the final word.
2 Comments:
Good to see you, your wife (and the baby) are eating well.
I would advise one thing to people dieting, because it really revolutized my low carb eating: Take a multivitamin. I got the "One-A-Day Weightloss", generic Walgreen kind. As far as I can tell, it's just like the normal one, except with Green Tea Extract (which I've heard also fights free radicals, prevents cancer, and all-around slows the aging process).
The vitamin has really has made a difference. I use to get in periods where there would be no weightloss, or where I'd be really tired, or where I'd have irrestible cravings for high-carb junk food. The vitamin put an end to those problems. It makes a tremendous difference for the better.
Thanks, Protagonist!
My lovely (pregnant) wife is eating a lot more trashy carbs than am I, but she's eating good stuff as well. I was heartened to hear the OB Dr. counsel her to eat more protein and steer away from the refined carbs.
I am indeed taking a multivitamin, a slow-release formula I've found pretty decent. Am also taking a few other targeted supplements, though they are pretty common (fish oil, C, E, Alpha Lipoic Acid). I am sensitive to some vitamins (have had a few actually cause me to vomit), so I can tell a good Q one by this simple test.
Have been drinking green tea as well lately. Sure can feel the caffeine in it!
Lost about 6 pounds in the first week. That's 13% of my goal, though I don't expect following weeks to be so dramatic. The body gives up some water initially.
Glad to hear you are doing well as well. It's good for a father to do what he can to get his act together before the kidlings enter the picture. :-)
Post a Comment
<< Home