Research
Mixed
Adherence to dietary patterns emphasizing plant foods, fish, seafood, vegetable oils, and low-fat dairy is associated with a lower risk of most chronic diseases, whereas Western-type diets high in energy, sugar-sweetened beverages, refined cereals, solid fats, and processed meats are associated with adverse health effects.
Focus on building a dietary pattern rather than fixing single nutrients. Prioritize plant foods, fish, seafood, vegetable oils, and low-fat dairy. Minimize Western-style foods like sugary drinks, refined grains, solid fats, and processed meats to reduce chronic disease risk.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Diets with plenty of plants foods, fish, and seafood that preferably include vegetable oils and low-fat dairy products are associated with a lower risk of most chronic diseases. In contrast, Western-type DPs with food products low in essential nutrients and high in energy, like sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, refined cereals and solid fats (e.g. butter), and high in red and processed meats, are associated with adverse health effects.
Why this rating
Based on systematic reviews of cohort studies and RCTs, though the paper notes methodological inconsistencies across studies.
Source
What do review papers conclude about food and dietary patterns?
Elisabet Wirfält et al. · Food & Nutrition Research · 2013
narrative_reviewCited 175×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →