If we indeed are what we eat, many of us may end up very displeased
with who we become. Despite increased evidence of the dramatic
benefits of a low-fat diet high in fruits, vegetables and
whole grains, fast-food intake is at an all-time high and
the American public is growing (literally) at an unprecedented
rate. If you’re not convinced by the previous research, maybe
this latest study will convince you.
Data from phase 2 (1987-89) of the Breast Cancer Detection
Demonstration Project included the results of a 62-item food
frequency questionnaire completed by 42,254 women. The study
authors examined all-cause mortality (death by any cause)
based on “Recommended Food Score” (RFS) -- the sum of the
number of foods recommended by current dietary guidelines
that subjects reported consuming at least once a week.
Increasing RFS correlated with lower relative risk of all-cause
mortality. Put in simpler terms, better overall diet corresponded
with better overall health and lower risk of death. These
results were maintained after adjusting for numerous other
variables, including education; ethnicity; age; body mass
index; smoking status; alcohol use; physical activity; menopausal
hormone use; and history of disease.
As the authors note, these results emphasize the value of
current dietary guidelines recommending adequate intake of
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean
meat.
Reference:
Kant AK, Schatzkin A, Graubard BI, et al. A prospective study
of diet quality and mortality in women. Journal of the
American Medical Association, April 26, 2000: Vol. 283,
No. 16, pp2109-2115.
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