The key was the quality of the food itself, not the quantity of carbs or fats.<\/p>\n
The research, led by public health researchers at Harvard University, suggests that if a diet contains too many processed foods<\/a> and animal proteins or fats, or if it otherwise lacks in adequate vegetables, fruits<\/a>, whole grains, healthy fats, or essential macronutrients<\/a>, it may not benefit cardiovascular health as much in the long run, even if it is low carb or low fat by definition.<\/p>\n “Focusing only on nutrient compositions but not food quality may not lead to health benefits,” concludes<\/a> Harvard epidemiologist Zhiyuan Wu, who led the research.<\/p>\n Participants in the study who ate healthy, varied diets with adequate macronutrients showed higher levels of ‘good’ cholesterol<\/a> in their blood, as well as lower levels of fats and inflammatory markers compared to those who ate diets lacking in those essentials.<\/p>\n They also had a significantly lower risk of developing coronary heart disease<\/a>, the most common cause<\/a> of heart attacks<\/a>.<\/p>\n “These results suggest that healthy low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets may share common biological pathways that improve cardiovascular health,” explains<\/a> Wu.<\/p>\n “Focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health.”<\/p>\n The findings are based on the self-reported diets of participants, who were all health professionals, so they may have had higher health awareness and better access to health care than the general population.<\/p>\n Related: This Diet Change Cuts Over 300 Calories a Day, Without Decreasing Meal Size<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n That’s somewhat limiting; however, the length of follow-up in the study is impressive, amounting to more than 5.2 million person-years.<\/p>\n The findings join growing evidence<\/a> suggesting that eating fewer processed foods and more whole grains and vegetables is generally best for a wide range of health outcomes. Strict diets<\/a> that count calories, carbs, or fats may not be necessary.<\/p>\n “This study helps move the conversation beyond the long-standing debate over low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diets,” says<\/a> Yale University cardiologist Harlan Krumholz, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.<\/p>\n “The findings show that what matters most for heart health is the quality of the foods people eat. Whether a diet is lower in carbohydrates or fat, emphasizing plant-based foods, whole grains, and healthy fats is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes.”<\/p>\n![\"Cutting](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1457889029-642x361.jpg\")
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