In a new report, published by BMJ (British Medical Journal), a team of researchers examine the evidence behind healthy eating advice.
The BMJ Group’s consumer health team reviewed published research about diet and health and found that the best ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer are maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, not consuming too much alcohol, and consuming less red meat. There’s no miracle diet or food that prevents cancer.
Although low-fat diets reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes for people with cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol, what effect they have on healthy people is unknown.
Individuals who consume a Mediterranean type diet are less likely to suffer heart attacks, less likely to develop certain types of cancer, and more likely to live longer. According to one study, each year there would be 3-4 fewer deaths among 1,000 people who consumed this type of diet.
Boosting daily intake of fruit and vegetables appears to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but only by a small amount. One study revealed that eating 5 portions of fruit a day reduced the chances of heart disease by about 6 in 1,000 compared to individuals who consumed less than 3 portions.
Anna Sayburn, Head of Consumer Health at BMJ Group, explained:
“It’s easy to get confused about healthy eating, when we’re bombarded by stories that tell us a particular food either causes or cures cancer, and when complicated diets followed by celebrities are featured in magazines. That’s why we thought it was time to look at the science behind food advice.
We already have a wealth of information for people who have a medical condition to help them make decisions about their treatments. We wanted to use our rigorous standards of evidence appraisal to help healthy people make good choices about their diet, so they can stay healthy.”
The team plans to now examine the evidence behind exercise and alcohol.
To view the Healthy Eating topic, click here.
Written by Grace Rattue