University of Otago researchers have noticed how dietary guidelines have recently come under fire, amid claims that carbohydrates should be restricted.
However, removing food groups from diets and pitting fats against carbohydrates ``undermines confidence in evidence-based nutrition advice'' Prof Jim Mann, of the university's Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre, said.
Researchers from the centre, the University of Auckland and the Healthier Lives National Science Challenge recently published their commentary in UK medical journal, The Lancet.
With Japan having the highest life expectancy and Mediterranean diets linked to a low risk of diseases, Prof Mann said recommendations on dietary guidelines were ``met by culturally diverse dietary patterns''.
These diets are high in fibre-rich fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, dried beans, whole grains, and plant oils.
Instead of cutting fat and carbohydrates from their diets, people should be focusing on the quality of food they were eating, Prof Mann added.
``There are good fats, just as there are good carbohydrates that are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer.''
Instead, studies have shown people should be reducing their intake of free sugars and saturated fats.
As a researcher, Prof Mann has seen many trends in dieting.
``There's been all kind of diets from paleo to the pineapple diet to a high-carb diet.''
Due to a lack of research, there was no telling whether these new diets ``might do harm in the long term''.
Dr Lisa Te Morenga, a research fellow at Otago's department of human nutrition, said there was no ``magic answer'' when it came to diets.
It was about ``promoting healthy eating rather than pushing diets and it's more about the food environment we live in,'' Dr Te Morenga said.
``People need to choose something that works for them [and their lifestyle].''
- by Mandy Te
