Quality of Food May Be More Crucial for Heart Health Than Cutting Carbs or Fats
Recent research shows that food quality plays a pivotal role in heart health, matching the influence of low-carb and low-fat diets. Prioritizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts can significantly reduce heart disease risk.
A comprehensive study involving nearly 200,000 participants over several decades has shed light on the significant role of food quality in cardiovascular health. The research indicates that the types of foods people consume—whether high-quality, plant-based, and minimally processed—are just as important as following specific low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets. While these diets have traditionally been promoted for weight control and metabolic benefits, their impact on heart disease risk varies considerably depending on food choices within these dietary patterns.
The study, led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, analyzed dietary habits from detailed questionnaires and blood metabolite measurements. Participants who adhered to healthy versions of low-carb or low-fat diets, emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, showed about a 15% reduction in the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Conversely, diets rich in refined grains, potatoes, saturated fats, and animal-based proteins were linked to increased risk.
This evidence underscores the importance of food quality—choosing nutrient-dense, plant-origin foods and limiting processed, high-sugar, and animal-based products—to promote heart health. The findings advocate for a focus on whole, minimally processed foods, regardless of whether one follows a low-carb or low-fat pattern, to reduce cardiovascular risk.
The researchers suggest that consumers become vigilant about reading food labels, avoiding added sugars, and opting for foods high in fiber and natural nutrients. Moving forward, they aim to explore how genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and metabolic markers further influence these dietary impacts on heart health. Additionally, they plan to investigate the effects of diet quality on other health conditions like type 2 diabetes and cancer, enabling more personalized dietary recommendations.
Published in the upcoming Nutrition 2025 conference, this research emphasizes that improving food quality is a practical and effective strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Milk-Derived Molecule Enhances Gut Health Despite Unhealthy Diet
A milk-derived protein, casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP), has been found to reinforce the gut lining and promote beneficial bacteria, even in diets high in fats and low in fiber. This breakthrough opens new avenues for dietary strategies to improve gut health despite poor dietary patterns.
Impact of Maternal Diet During Pregnancy on Children's Gut Health
High-sugar, high-fat diets during pregnancy may impair children's gut health by increasing inflammation and weakening intestinal barriers, potentially leading to long-term gastrointestinal issues.
Starting a Brain-Healthy Diet at Any Age Can Help Prevent Dementia
Recent studies highlight that following the MIND diet—a blend of Mediterranean and DASH diets—can significantly reduce dementia risk. Improving dietary habits at any age may help prevent cognitive decline, especially among diverse racial groups.
Research Reveals UK Adults Are Not Eating Enough Plant-Based Foods
A new study reveals that UK adults are not consuming enough diverse plant-based foods, impacting their overall health and risk of chronic diseases. Increasing plant food variety may boost diet quality and cardiometabolic health.