Numerous clinical studies have been done to show suggestive evidence that high
fat intake in a person’s
diet leads to a higher incidence of diseases such as
cancer and
heart disease. Additionally, it has been popularly hypothesized for years that a diet higher in fruits and vegetables and
low in fat can reduce the incidence of cancer of the colon and rectum. This hypothesis, however, has found weak evidence to support it. Other studies have shown that the lower in fat one’s diet is, the lower the chance of developing heart disease. Later evidence suggested that it is actually a diet high in saturated and tran-fats that aids in the development of heart disease, and that unsaturated fats and fish oils help prevent it. The
Women’s Health Initiative Diet Modification trial studied the correlation between diet modification and incidence of heart disease, stroke, and cancer in 48,835 women between the ages of 50-79 for eight years. The subjects were divided into two groups, one of which being the intervention group. This group had, on average, 38 percent of their daily caloric intake coming from fat. Their daily caloric intake coming from fat was reduced to 27 to 30 percent. Additionally, their intake of fruit and vegetables was increased by a third. After the eight year trial, there was found to be no significant statistical difference between the two groups with regard to breast and colon cancer, stroke, and heart disease. However, there was nearly a statistically significant difference in rates of breast cancer than colon cancer between the two groups (higher rates in the high fat groups). Additionally, there was no difference in rates of heart disease. We can not conclude by this study though, that diet does not have any bearing on our health or risk for certain diseases. After all, this was done on an eight year trial. The precursor to many diseases may take much longer than that to develop. Furthermore, this study may be considered flawed since it did not measure or alter the amount of saturated fat in a woman’s diet. And studies have shown that saturated fat is the main culprit in the development of heart disease.
More reviews about the Findings of the Women's Health Initiative Diet Modification Trial