Effects of carb and fat consumption on longevity in men vs women
Effects of carb and fat consumption on longevity in men vs women
The Impact of Carbohydrates and Fats on Longevity: A Deep Dive into the Japanese Study
Do you know that consuming too little carbohydrates and fats can have a negative impact on your lifespan? A new study conducted in Japan reveals that extreme dietary habits related to carbohydrate and fat consumption may affect longevity. However, the findings may or may not apply as well to Western populations. Let’s take a closer look at the study and its implications.
The Study: Exploring Carbohydrates and Fats
The study conducted by Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan delved into the relationship between carbohydrates, fats, and longevity. The research findings showcase an interesting contrast between men and women. Men who ate too few carbohydrates significantly increased their risk of all-cause mortality, while women who consumed too little fat had a marginally higher risk of all-cause and cancer-related mortality.
According to the study, going to any extreme with carbohydrates and fats may negatively affect longevity. The authors paint a complex picture of healthy eating, suggesting that finding a balance is crucial.
Carbohydrates and Longevity
The researchers found that men who consumed fewer than 40% of their daily calories from carbohydrates had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality. On the other hand, women who obtained more than 65% of their calories from carbohydrates also faced a higher all-cause mortality risk. The findings remained consistent regardless of whether the carbohydrates were minimally processed or refined.
Fats and Longevity
Regarding dietary fat, men who obtained more than 35% of their calories from any kind of fat were at a higher risk of cancer and cardiovascular mortality. When the quality of fat intake was examined in men, no clear association was observed for saturated fat intake. However, consuming less unsaturated fat was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cancer-related mortality.
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In contrast, women who consumed more fats, particularly saturated fats, experienced a decrease in their risk of all-cause and cancer mortality.
Study Participants and Caveats
The study involved 34,893 men and 46,440 women, all within the healthy range of body mass index (BMI). It is crucial to note that the study was conducted with Japanese participants, and its applicability to Western populations is yet to be determined.
Cardiology dietician Michelle Routhenstein suggests that this study suggests low carbohydrates in diet and low-fat weight loss diets for women can decrease longevity. However, clinical nutrition epidemiologist Prof. Linda Van Horn expresses concern about Americans taking the wrong message from the findings. She emphasizes that these studies should consider the U.S. population’s high rate of obesity, intake of ultra-processed foods, and generally low nutrient adequacy.
Dr. Van Horn further points out that some deaths described in the study may represent poverty and inadequate nutrient intake overall, which may not accurately reflect the U.S. population.
Sources of Saturated and Unsaturated Fats
To better understand the impact of fats on longevity, it is essential to examine the different sources of saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats, derived from animal sources such as red meat, butter, and cream, were found to decrease the risk of all-cause and cancer mortality among women. Unsaturated fats, found in foods like avocados, olives, and nuts, play a crucial role in hormone production and overall cardiovascular health in women.
Exploring the Risk of Low Carbohydrates in Men
The study raises questions about why men who consume less than 40% of their calories from carbohydrates face a higher mortality risk. Poor dietary quality, poverty-related lack of adequate healthy care, smoking, and alcohol are possible factors contributing to this phenomenon. Carbohydrates provide essential nutrients such as fiber, minerals, and vitamins, which are crucial for maintaining overall health. A diet lacking in these protective nutrients may increase the risk of certain cancers.
The Need for More Dietary Fats in Women
Given the low BMI of female participants, it is speculated that they consume less sugar and alcohol and therefore have a higher percentage of fat intake compared to men. However, further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. It is important to note that the intake of saturated fat was inversely linked to mortality risk only among women. Adequate hormone production, particularly estrogen, plays a cardioprotective role in women.
Conclusion: More Research Needed
The Japanese study on the impact of carbohydrates and fats on longevity raises intriguing findings. However, the applicability of these findings to Western populations, which face different dietary and health challenges, remains uncertain. To obtain more actionable and localized findings, it is crucial to conduct similar studies with representative populations in Western countries.
Remember, finding a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall well-being. It is always advisable to consult with healthcare professionals or nutritionists for personalized dietary advice that takes into account your specific needs and considerations.
