Lose Weight with Added Fats?
A study published in the July 4, 2006 issue of the Annals of Internal
Medicine found that adding over 1000 calories per day of olive oil or
200 calories per day of nuts resulted in equal weight loss and better
health than a low-fat diet.
The diets included more fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish, and less
meat, dairy and sugar. All three groups followed the same program, the
only differences were that one group consumed and additional 30 grams
of nuts per day, approximately 200 calories, and one group consumed 1
liter of olive oil per week, which is over ½ cup per day, or over 1000
calories! The group that didn’t add the nuts or oil consumed much less
fat by comparison.
After three months, weight decreased a little with no difference
between the groups. The groups that consumed more fat had lower blood
pressure and all indicators of heart disease improved compared to the
low-fat group.
Who would have guessed that eating over 1000 calories of added fat per
day would lead to weight loss and a healthier heart! Many researchers
feel the kind of fat is critical. Fat from natural sources is healthy and contains important nutrients.
This study is ongoing. It will be fascinating to see what the long-term
effects are of a low-fat diet compared to diets with added natural
fats. At this point, the researchers say that all the cardiovascular
indicators point "in the right direction."
Med diet better than low-fat for heart health says "landmark" trial
According to New Study: Mediterranean Diet Better Than a Low-Fat Diet
Study: Mediterranean diet beats low-fat |
