The results of a costly study by American scientists are that low-fat foods are of almost no help in protecting against cancer and heart disease, especially for middle-aged and older people. The research findings are confusing.
This study took 8 years and cost $415 million. Researchers selected 49,000 women and divided them into two groups. One group exclusively ate low-fat foods, while the other group was free to eat high-fat foods. The results showed that the incidence of breast cancer, colon cancer, and heart disease was almost identical in both groups.
This achievement has been highly praised by many medical experts. Dr. Hesketch, an honorary professor at Rockefeller University, said: "This research is revolutionary. In the future, if we want to be healthier, we cannot simply classify foods as good or bad based on their high or low fat content."
After the research report was published, it not only received great attention from the American nutrition community but also put many people in a difficult position. They had been choosing low-fat diets for their health for a long time, especially maintaining the healthy habit of drinking low-fat milk. Is it still necessary to continue this practice now? Experts point out that drinking whole milk is certainly not healthy, but drinking only low-fat milk is also a poor strategy. When whole milk becomes low-fat, it not only reduces fat and calories but also many fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, E, etc. Essential fatty acids are indispensable.
Among those who prefer low-fat foods, women make up a large proportion. They do this, first, to maintain their figure, and second, because they believe it will reduce the incidence of diseases like breast cancer. But this research result has shattered their hopes. Hesketch emphasized that some fatty acids are essential for the human body and cannot be synthesized by the body itself; they must be obtained through diet. Once they are lacking, the integrity of cell membranes is compromised. Furthermore, essential fatty acids can promote cell growth, maintain skin health, regulate blood pressure, promote smooth muscle contraction, and can be converted into prostaglandins. "They are a must-eat!" How much fat should one consume daily?
So, how much fat is appropriate to consume? Experts believe that the daily fat intake should account for 20%-30% of total calories, with an ideal value of 25%. For an "office worker" who consumes 2000 calories per day, they should consume 500 calories from fat. Converting this with the 9 calories per gram of fat, the amount of fat to be consumed daily should be around 56 grams, which is about 4 tablespoons of cooking oil.