Heart Health: Focus on Food Quality, Not Just Carbs & Fat
For Heart Health, Food Quality Matters More Than Cutting Carbs or Fat
Updated June 1, 2025
When it comes to heart health, the quality of food may be more important than simply following a low-carb or low-fat diet, according to a new study involving nearly 200,000 participants. Researchers found that choosing healthy, high-quality foods is crucial for protecting the heart.
The study, which followed participants for several decades, challenges the notion that simply restricting carbohydrates or fats is enough. Instead, the research emphasizes the importance of food quality within these dietary approaches.
Zhiyuan Wu, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of public Health, is set to present the findings at NUTRITION 2025. Wu stated, “We found that what you eat on low-carb or low-fat diets matters just as much as the diet itself.”
The research categorized carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes as high-quality. Conversely,carbohydrates from potatoes and refined grains,along with saturated fats and proteins from animal-based foods,were deemed low-quality.
The study participants completed detailed questionnaires about their dietary habits. Researchers then assigned scores reflecting the healthfulness of their food choices within low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets.
The analysis revealed that individuals adhering to healthy low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets experienced a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Conversely, those on unhealthy versions faced an elevated risk. Healthy diet patterns, whether low-carbohydrate or low-fat, lowered heart disease risk by approximately 15%.
Our findings suggest that improving food quality is crucial for improving heart health. Nonetheless of whether someone follows a low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet, emphasizing whole, minimally processed and plant-based foods and limiting refined grain, sugar and animal foods, can substantially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
For those aiming to enhance their diet, the researchers recommend incorporating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. They also advise reducing processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and sugary foods. Checking food labels for added low-quality ingredients, such as sugars in juices and snacks, is also important.
What’s next
Looking ahead, the research team plans to investigate additional factors influencing the relationship between diet quality and heart health, including genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and metabolic markers. They also intend to explore the impact of low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets on other health outcomes like type 2 diabetes and cancer.