Article courtesy of Dr. Joel Kahn, MD, who is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine, one of the world’s top cardiologists, a best-selling author, lecturer, and a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and holistic care.
The optimal amount of dietary fat and the kind of dietary fat intake in long-term humans has attracted major attention, debate, and disagreement between health experts, to say the least! More data is welcome on whether fats are healthy and what kind of fats are healthiest.
A new large study provides encouraging data that fats derived from plants like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olives are associated with an advantage in lifespan.
STUDY
This large prospective cohort study took place in the US from 1995 to 2019. The analysis of men and women was conducted in the National Institutes of Health–AARP Diet and Health Study. Data were analyzed from February 2021 to May 2024. Specific food sources of dietary fats and other dietary information were collected at baseline, using a validated food frequency questionnaire.
RESULTS
The analysis included 407 ,531 men and women (57% male, the mean age was 61 years). During follow-up, 185 111 deaths were ascertained, including 58 526 CVD deaths.
A greater intake of plant fat, particularly fat from grains and vegetable oils, was associated with a lower risk for overall and CVD mortality, respectively, comparing the highest to the lowest quintile.
In contrast, a higher intake of total animal fat, dairy fat, or egg fat was associated with an increased risk for mortality for overall and CVD mortality, respectively, comparing the highest to the lowest quintile.
Replacement of 5% energy from animal fat with 5% energy from plant fat, particularly fat from grains or vegetable oils, was associated with a lower risk for mortality: 4% to 24% reduction in overall mortality, and 5% to 30% reduction in CVD mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
Recognizing this was not a randomized, blinded trial, and that it relied on a dietary history to predict long-term outcomes, the findings from this prospective cohort study demonstrated consistent but small inverse associations between a higher intake of plant fat, particularly fat from grains and vegetable oils, and a lower risk for both overall and CVD mortality.
A diet with a high intake of animal-based fat, including fat from dairy foods and eggs, was also shown to be associated with an elevated risk for both overall and CVD mortality.
The message is clear when this large study is combined with hundreds of other research studies. Whole food plant choices of a diverse nature favor cardiovascular health outcomes and lifespan while choices of animal foods reduce lifespan.
At the Kahn Center, we will continue to teach and advise a whole-food plant-based diet for the prevention and reversal of cardiovascular disease.
About the author: At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that Dr. Kahn truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kahn-md-757a59225
https://www.facebook.com/drjoelkahn
https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com/blog/getting-fats-from-plants-boosts-your-lifespan
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2821738
