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Big Fat Lie

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Diabetes
Is the low fat paradigm a big fat lie?
Yes - 66.7% - 4 votes
No - 33.3% - 2 votes
Don't know - 0.0% - 0 votes
What's a paradigm again? - 0.0% - 0 votes
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Posted 12/8/2005 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Here's an issue I think is extremely important but I'd be very interested in any other opinions out there.

Here goes:

Dietary fat has become so demonised that it's almost seen as heresy to suggest we ought to eat much more of it! If I suggest that the low fat, high carb diets currently in fashion are at least partly responsible for the increase in rates of obesity and diabetes throughout the western world, would anyone out there agree or disagree?

I can feel a poll coming on.....

fergusc

Posted 12/8/2005 3:32 PM (GMT 0)

"Are fats unhealthy? No! Some fats are essential to our health. The reason that fats have a bad name is because certain fats (saturated fats) are a major cause of coronary heart disease. But this does not mean that all fats are bad."

Here are a couple of links to everything you ever wanted to know about dietary fats.  However, with a recommendation to keep fats to 15-30% of your overall diet, 15% can be considered low fat.  Read the articles and decide for yourself.  Me personally, I err on the side of higher protein intake but watch the fat intake like a hawk since diabetics are much more prone to heart disease.

http://ific.org/nutrition/fats/index.cfm

http://www.annecollins.com/dietary-fat.htm

scool  Warren

Posted 12/8/2005 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Personally, I'd suggest even 30% fat is too low!
Of course diabetics (Type 1 myself) are more prone to coronary heart disease, but I'd suggest this is largely as a result of elevated blood sugars over a long period than consumption of dietary fat. Elevated serum triglycerides and poor lipids are caused by the liver in response to excess sugar in the blood.
Dietary fat does not raise the blood sugar so should be thought of as one of the diabetic's few allies, not the enemy!
I followed the perceived wisdom of the low fat, carb based diets of the so called experts for many years. The result was increasing weight, large insulin doses and deteriorating lipid profiles.
Since I restricted the carbs but relaxed the protein and fat 4 years ago, the weight has fallen off (BMI 22 now) and my lipids and triglycerides better than ever. Better than 95% of non diabetics my age, in fact.
I doubt that the promotion of low fat diets and the obesity/diabetes epidemic are purely coincidental. I think it could be cause and effect!

''The idea that eating fat will make you fat is about as scientifically logical as saying that eating tomatoes will turn you red'' Dr. Richard Bernstein

fergusc
Posted 12/9/2005 2:48 PM (GMT 0)

I'm gonna say yes.  Low fat is a big fat lie.  Fat helps satisfy your appetite, it helps organs function.  Naturally, if you have a bad gall bladder, you need low fat, but other than that, I think we all need to watch those carbs more than the fat.  Carbs are metabolized into triglycerides and cholesterol and thats what is contributing to obesity.  A low fat, high sugar cookie is bad for you, I don't care what anybody says, whether you're diabetic or not.  

Whole grains, high fiber and healthy vegetables are the only carbs we should be eating.  The grains should be in moderation, too.  Nothing is free!

Posted 12/11/2005 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
I have found that since I started cooking with peanut and olive oil my hunger is less, my cholesterol is improved and my food tastes better! I have been through all the diet stuff in the world and now I'm back to my Grandma's diet: All things in moderation

Works for me!
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