BENEFITS OF LOW FAT DIET

Introduction

Fats are a necessary nutrient; however, they must be consumed in a controlled quantity. There are four main types of fats found in our food: polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, saturated, and trans fats.

The American Heart Association's (AHA) initial low-fat recommendations targeted individuals with significant cardiovascular risk factors or family histories of heart disease. These guidelines emphasise replacing animal fats with healthier, non-tropical plant-based oils. Recommendations for limiting dietary fat were established following clinical observations that linked high intake of saturated fats and cholesterol to an increased prevalence of coronary heart disease.

Dietary fat intake has been associated with the following:

Cardiovascular disease: Studies show that saturated and trans fat raise blood cholesterol, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, unlike polyunsaturated fat, which reduces serum cholesterol and monounsaturated fat, which is neutral

Cancer: Various studies have shown a consistent link between high dietary fat intake and an increased risk of cancer development. While dietary fat intake is epidemiologically linked to colon, lung, and prostate cancer, it remains most closely and consistently associated with breast cancer risk. It was proposed that essential fatty acids are converted into short-lived, hormone-like lipids and that reactive oxygen species are generated, which can cause modifications in genomic DNA and subsequently lead to changes in gene expression.

Obesity: Most research indicates that individuals with obesity consume a greater proportion of their energy from fat than those with a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index). Because fat is highly energy-dense, it promotes higher calorie intake than other foods.

Recommendation

It is advised to follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy and liquid plant oils. For optimal health, it is important to limit red meat and avoid sugary snacks and drinks.

References

Bhandari, P., & Sapra, A. (2023). Low fat diet. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.

Seid, H., & Rosenbaum, M. (2019). Low carbohydrate and low-fat diets: what we don’t know and why we should know it. Nutrients, 11(11), 2749.

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board