The Danger Of Low-Fat Diets

Low-fat diets like the Pritikin Diet or Dr. Dean Ornish’s Diet Program works on the premise that most of the excess calories we eat come from extra fat.  By cutting down on high fat foods, a participant cuts down on calories and thus loses weight.  Reducing fat can help the heart.  When fat is reduced significantly, from 30% of calories to 10%, one’s carbohydrate intake usually goes up.  If eaten in the form of whole grains, the added fiber may further benefit one’s health.

Lower consumption of saturated and trans fat and more fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of heart disease.  In a recent study on low-fat diet on women, although the women did not show a decrease in colorectal cancer, they were found to less likely develop polyps which increase the risk of colon cancer.

However, researchers have learned that the fat we consume affects the workings of our all-important brain.  Beneficial fats and oils may be one of the most powerful ways to keep the brain working at peak efficiency.  In fact, it is likely that dietary fats and oils can affect how well we learn and how much we remember.  They also influence our mood, behavior, coordination and even the physical sensations we feel.

All of our nerves are coated with myelin, a shiny white substance from fat that aids in the speedy transmission of nerve impulses and communication throughout the body.  At certain points in its development, the brain must get specific fats.  If they are not supplied, the brain’s structure is altered and also its ability to function.
Experts are quick to point out that scientific thinking on the role of fat in disease prevention has changed over the years.  People are now advised to eat more “healthy” fats such as omega-3 fatty acids and poly and monounsaturated fats rather than just trim down on all fats which means cutting out on potentially “good” fats as well.

That said, these findings do not give people license to eat fatty foods without consequences – health problems.  A low-fat diet may not prevent cancer or heart disease but it helps in maintaining the right weight, lowering the risk of diabetes, keeping the blood pressure down which are all important.  Combining strategies such as weight control and a diet low in sodium but rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meat, poultry and fish is still the way to go.