New Study Suggests Extreme Dietary Habits May Affect Longevity
A new study conducted by researchers at Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan has found that extreme dietary habits related to carbohydrate and fat consumption may have an impact on longevity. The study highlights the risks associated with consuming too little carbohydrates or fats, with differing effects for men and women.
The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, involved 34,893 men and 46,440 women aged between 35 and 69 years. All participants were in good health at the beginning of the study.
One of the key findings of the study was that men who consumed too few carbohydrates were at a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality. For women, the risk of all-cause and cancer-related mortality increased marginally when consuming insufficient amounts of dietary fat.
The researchers emphasized the complex nature of healthy eating patterns when it comes to carbohydrates and fats, suggesting that extremes in either direction could have negative effects on longevity.
Specifically, the study found that men who obtained less than 40% of their daily calories from carbohydrates had a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Conversely, women who obtained more than 65% of their calories from carbohydrates also had a higher risk of all-cause mortality.
The study did not find any significant difference between the effects of consuming minimally processed carbohydrates compared to refined carbohydrates.
Regarding dietary fat, men who obtained more than 35% of their calories from fat were at a higher risk of cancer and cardiovascular mortality. However, there was no clear association between saturated fat intake and mortality risk in men. On the other hand, women who consumed more fats, especially saturated fats, had a decreased risk of all-cause and cancer mortality.
The study highlights that these findings may not necessarily apply to Western populations, as the research was conducted on individuals in Japan. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the broader implications.
Cardiology dietician Michelle Routhenstein, who was not involved in the study, commented on the research, stating that moderation is key when it comes to dietary habits. She advises individuals to focus on consuming a balanced and varied diet, while also considering their overall health and individual needs.
In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to carbohydrate and fat consumption to enhance longevity. Extremes in either direction may have detrimental effects on health and lifespan.