Harvard Scientists Monitored 200,000 Diets for 30 Years — This Is the Key to Heart Health

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 26/06/2025 at 16:45

Updated on 26/06/2025 at 18:19

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Study Involving Nearly 200 Thousand People Reveals That The Choice of Healthy Foods Has A Greater Impact On Heart Health Than The Type Of Diet Followed.

For over three decades, a group of researchers tracked the diets of nearly 200 thousand people. The goal was to understand the real impact of low carbohydrate or fat diets on heart health.

The main conclusion is surprising: more than the type of diet, what really makes a difference is the quality of the chosen foods.

Eating Well Is More Important Than Eating Less

For a long time, the discussion about healthy eating revolved around the amount of carbohydrates or fats.

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Long-Term Follow-Up With Thousands Of People

The data used by the researchers came from three large health studies conducted in the United States.

There were 43,430 men monitored between 1986 and 2016, 64,164 women between 1986 and 2018, and another 92,189 women between 1991 and 2019.

Over these decades, participants answered detailed questionnaires about their eating habits.

Using this information, scientists scored the quality of each person’s diets, considering whether their choices were healthy or not, even within the standards of low-fat or low-carbohydrate diets.

High And Low Quality Foods Were Defined

In the study, foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes were considered high-quality nutrient sources.

On the other hand, items such as potatoes, refined grains, processed meats, saturated fats, and animal products were classified as low-quality.

The team went even further. In over 10,000 participants, scientists analyzed blood samples to measure metabolites — substances that indicate metabolic function. This helped understand how diet directly affects overall health.

Up To 15% Reduction In Cardiac Risk

The results were clear. People who followed healthy versions of low-carbohydrate or fat diets had a lower risk of developing heart disease.

Meanwhile, those who followed “trendy” diets, but with low-quality foods, saw an increase in risk.

“Improving food quality is crucial for enhancing heart health,” Wu emphasized. He highlighted that more than just choosing between cutting carbohydrates or fats, prioritizing natural foods and avoiding processed ones is essential.

Simple Suggestions For Improving Diet

The study’s authors also provided practical tips. Among them, increasing the intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.

At the same time, it is advised to reduce the consumption of processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and foods high in sugar.

Also, pay attention to food labels, as products like industrial juices and snacks may contain low-quality ingredients.

The study presented at the NUTRITION 2025, an event of the American Society for Nutrition, also paves the way for new inquiries.

The researchers want to understand how genetics, lifestyle, and other factors may influence the relationship between diet and heart health. They also intend to investigate the effects of diets on other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cancer.

With information from scitechdaily.

Harvard Scientists Monitored 200,000 Diets for 30 Years — This Is the Key to Heart Health

Study Involving Nearly 200 Thousand People Reveals That The Choice of Healthy Foods Has A Greater Impact On Heart Health Than The Type Of Diet Followed.

Eating Well Is More Important Than Eating Less

Long-Term Follow-Up With Thousands Of People

High And Low Quality Foods Were Defined

Up To 15% Reduction In Cardiac Risk

Simple Suggestions For Improving Diet

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Harvard Scientists Monitored 200,000 Diets for 30 Years — This Is the Key to Heart Health

Study Involving Nearly 200 Thousand People Reveals That The Choice of Healthy Foods Has A Greater Impact On Heart Health Than The Type Of Diet Followed.

Eating Well Is More Important Than Eating Less

Long-Term Follow-Up With Thousands Of People

High And Low Quality Foods Were Defined

Up To 15% Reduction In Cardiac Risk

Simple Suggestions For Improving Diet

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