The 1980s and 1990s saw the height of the popularity of low-fat diets, but more recent studies have shown that a focus on healthy fats—like those in avocados and olive oil—can improve general health. The nutritional science has successfully moved away from the belief that “all fat is bad” and toward favoring monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats over saturated fats.
A low-fat diet is sometimes necessary, though, and it may even be preventative against conditions like breast cancer. According to recent study, dietary changes may not only prevent breast cancer but also other types of cancer.
Researchers from Chongqing Medical University in China conducted a study that will be published in July 2024 issues of The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging. The study’s goal was to find out if a low-fat diet may also lower the incidence of lung cancer. The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial data was utilised by the researchers to investigate the impact of cancer screening on a broad population. The current study included around 98,459 participants, with an average age of 65, who satisfied the inclusion criteria from the broader PLCO study. All of the subjects had never received a cancer diagnosis and had answered a thorough food questionnaire.
Lung cancer rates were lowest among those who best followed the low-fat diet, which is defined as 30% or less of the diet. It should come as no surprise that smokers had a higher risk of lung cancer and that they benefited most from a low-fat diet.
The kind of fat also had an impact. Compared to people who incorporated monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat in their diets, those who reported consuming more saturated fat had a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Overall, the study highlights the possible contribution of dietary patterns—specifically, a low-fat diet (LFD)—to lowering the incidence of lung cancer. However, the researchers also stress the need for additional research to confirm these findings and guide public health measures.
A low-fat diet is not the only defense for those who want to lower their risk of lung cancer. For smokers, giving up is the first step towards achieving the lowest risk of the deadliest cancer in the world. It is advisable to follow a low-fat diet that prioritizes healthy fats and to develop a quitting plan with your healthcare professional if you smoke. If you don’t smoke, consult a medical expert about choosing the best diet for your desired level of health.