A medicine professor and author of a recently published book on the low-fat myth argues that removing fats from America’s diets has led to disastrous health outcomes. Professor Aaron Carroll cites dozens of studies that found a link between low-fat, high-carb diets and heart disease, cancer, and even weight gain.
In his book The Bad Food Bible: How and Why to Eat Sinfully, the professor explains that fats are good for our bodies and we cannot live without them. Cell membranes, nerves, muscles, they all need fat to properly function. What’s more, certain vitamins, the fat-soluble ones, need fats to be absorbed.
Fat consumption does not cause weight gain. To the contrary, it might actually help us shed a few pounds,
Carroll argues in his book.
America has banned fat-rich foods including dairy from its plates as early as the 1990s. However, dozens of studies have shown that removing dietary fats altogether can lead to negative outcomes in the long run.
For instance, a comprehensive study involving 135,000 participants showed that low-fat diest increase the risk of early death from all causes. They are also tied to a higher-than-normal risk of cardiovascular conditions like heart disease.
Sugars Are to Blame
Carroll thinks that the real culprit behind weight gain and chronic disease is sugars not fat. People on diets that include refined carbohydrates like white rice or white bread are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, cancer, and gain weight.
For example, a long-running trial on 50,000 women revealed that those on low-fat diets tended to consume more refined carbohydrates which upped their risk of heart disease, breast and colo-rectal cancers, and even obesity.
Many studies have found that the mix of sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to overeating as people tend to gorge on pre-packaged food, refined carbs, and foods high in added sugar.
Experts recommend replacing refined carbs with whole wheat and grains. Also, ensure that you get enough healthy fats in your diet from nuts, avocados, and fatty fish.
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