ZOE Science & Nutrition Are low-fat diets bad for your health?
Jan 20, 2024
In this lively discussion, Christopher Gardner, a Professor of Medicine at Stanford and Director of Nutrition Studies, dives into the controversial world of low-fat diets. He explains how the shift from fats to refined carbs may have done more harm than good, leading to health risks like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Gardner also reveals why people still cling to low-fat diets and discusses the significance of embracing healthy fats. Expect myth-busting insights that challenge everything you thought you knew about diet!
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Women and Low-Fat Diets
- In a weight loss study, women struggled to adhere to low-fat or high-fat diets.
- This reveals a cultural association between dietary fat and body fat, especially among women.
Origins of Low-Fat Advice
- The American Heart Association's low-fat advice originated from Ansel Keys' Seven Countries Study.
- This study linked heart disease with saturated fat, leading to a simplified, yet flawed, public health message.
The Low-Fat Trap
- Reducing fat intake often leads to increased carbohydrate consumption.
- The food industry capitalized on this by creating low-fat, high-sugar processed foods.