New evidence suggests the secret to heart health isn't about strictly limiting carbohydrates or fats. A 30-year study of nearly 200,000 individuals in the US indicates that diet quality is paramount.
The research, led by Harvard University, found that diets high in processed foods and animal proteins, or lacking in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, offer less cardiovascular benefit over time, regardless of carb or fat content.
"Focusing only on nutrient compositions but not food quality may not lead to health benefits," stated Harvard epidemiologist Zhiyuan Wu.
Participants consuming healthy, varied diets with adequate macronutrients demonstrated higher 'good' cholesterol and lower levels of fats and inflammatory markers. This translated to a significantly reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
"These results suggest that healthy low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets may share common biological pathways that improve cardiovascular health," Wu explained. "Focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health."
While the study included health professionals who may have better health awareness, its extensive follow-up period of over 5.2 million person-years is notable. The findings align with growing evidence favoring whole grains and vegetables over processed foods for overall health.
Yale University cardiologist Harlan Krumholz commented, "The findings show that what matters most for heart health is the quality of the foods people eat. Whether a diet is lower in carbohydrates or fat, emphasizing plant-based foods, whole grains, and healthy fats is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes."
