Contrary to popular belief, consuming a higher amount of fat is associated with a lower risk of death compared to lower intakes, a Canadian study has found.
However, a diet high in carbohydrates is related to higher mortality, although not with the risk of cardiovascular disease, the study conducted by scientists from McMaster University in Ontario said.
They reached this conclusion after collecting following more than 135,000 people (ages ranging between 35 and 70) from 18 low-income, middle-income and high-income countries for eight years.
Mahshid Dehghan, the lead author for the study, said: "When you recommend lowering fat, by default, people increase their carbohydrate consumption.”
"A high carbohydrate diet - greater than 60 per cent of energy - is associated with higher risk of mortality," she said.
“Higher intake of fats, including saturated fats, are associated with lower risk of mortality,” Dehghan added.
The paper was published in the Lancet this week.
