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to see this video.A recent U.S. government study has found that a low-fat diet does not significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, heart disease or stroke and does not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. The latest clinical trial results from National Institutes of Health's Women's Health Initiative (WHI) were published in the February 8 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
So what does it all mean? Cardiologist Michael Miller, M.D., director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, answers questions about the study results and its implications.
What do the study results mean for the average person?
That a low-fat diet is not the optimal approach for heart disease reduction.
If a low-fat diet is not the best approach for reducing the risk of heart disease, then what is?
A Mediterranean diet, which consists of vegetables and fruits, monounsaturated fats such as olive oil and polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish (such as salmon, sardines and tuna).
Is lowering the fat content of your diet still important to good health? Or is the message that people should eat less of certain types of fat rather than worry about overall fat intake?
What is more important than fat, per se, is the type of fat. Therefore, we recommend limiting saturated fats and eliminating trans fats from the diet. In place of these fats are the good fats, but even these fats should not be overconsumed since they may lead to weight gain.
Specifically, what types of fat should people have, and what types of fats in particular should people avoid?
People should lean towards monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats that are found in nuts, plant-based oils and certain fruits like avocados.
At the same time, people should avoid saturated and trans fats found in baked products, certain crackers and cookies, French fries and red meats. Avoid foods that say "partially hydrogenated.
What are your recommendations regarding meat, since that is a source of saturated fat?
Choose lean meats, and have no more than 3-4 ounces of lean meat up to three times weekly.
What should the total fat content of one's diet be?
About 30-35 percent of total calories.
What is the best way to cook/prepare foods?
Baking, grilling and steaming are the best ways. Avoid frying.
Interview by Michelle W. Murray
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