Crissman Loomis
In trying to eat a healthy diet, many focus not on foods but food components–avoid carbohydrates, eat more fiber, reduce saturated fats, get lots of antioxidants. An engineer friend built a diet by designing a basic meal plan that defined what he wanted and didn’t want and constructed a (highly artificial) block of food that had the recommended components to cut into portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for optimal health. While his anecdotal story doesn’t provide enough data to draw any conclusions (he survived the diet, despite the taste), the component model has been repeatedly tested by scientists and companies looking for a magic supplement (fiber drinks, antioxidant pills) without finding a benefit.
Let’s look at the example of pecan nuts. 300 g (11 oz.) of pecans has 28 g of fiber, which is 100% of the USDA recommendation for fiber (good!), but also 100% of the maximum USDA recommendation of 21 g of saturated fat (bad!). So what would happen if you ate this many pecans? From a component model of food, you would think that it would depend on which effect is more substantial–the benefit of the fiber or the adverse effects of saturated fats, and the more you ate, the stronger the effect.
But, that’s not how the effects of pecans reveal themself. A meta-study of dietary habits and lifespan encompassing 16 studies and over 80,000 deaths showed that a small handful of nuts a day is good for you (about 40 peanuts or 15 pecans), reducing all-cause mortality by nearly 20% Food groups and risk of all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.1 After that initial amount of nuts, it appears there is no further benefit or harm from eating more in a day. After that point, it’s empty calories that neither help nor hurt you.
Many books talk about “superfoods” and the benefit of this or that food over other foods of the same kind or avoiding carbs or eating fiber. Still, longevity research shows that food categories (fruits, vegetables, processed meat, etc.) capture most good or bad impacts. Even for foods that increase health and longevity, there is a threshold, like 20g of nuts, past which there is little benefit from eating more of that food, even of a different type.
Through this blog, I will work through the diet, exercise, and habits for living a long, healthy life. Using the latest research with all-cause mortality as the primary measure of benefit, I’ll show where the common wisdom is correct, where it’s right, but you don’t need as much as you might think, and where it’s wrong.
FAQs
Q: Why do many people focus on food components rather than specific foods when trying to eat a healthy and balanced diet?
A: Many believe that by controlling individual food components like carbohydrates, fiber, and saturated fats, they can optimize their diet for better health. However, epidemiological studies show that more than food components, it’s more effective to focus on food categories (vegetables, whole grains, fish…) than individual food components.
Q: Has the component model of food been scientifically tested and proven effective?
A: Yes, the component model of food has been scientifically tested, but its effectiveness depends on individual factors. A balanced whole-food diet is generally recommended for optimal health.
Q: Can eating a large quantity of pecan nuts with high fiber content outweigh the adverse effects of saturated fats?
A: Contrary to the component model’s expectations, research suggests 2 that consuming a small handful of nuts a day provides health benefits and makes them a valuable addition to a nutritious and balanced diet plan.
Q: Are there certain food categories that have a more significant impact on health and longevity?
A: Yes, research on longevity3 indicates that overall food categories, such as fruits, vegetables, and processed meats, have a greater influence on health outcomes than focusing on individual food components.
Q: Is there a limit to the benefits of consuming certain foods for health and longevity?
A: Yes, even for foods that promote health and longevity, there appears to be a threshold. For example, once you consume a certain amount of nuts, such as 20g, consuming more of that food type provides little additional benefit.
Q: Are low-fat or fat-free products always healthier choices?
A: Not necessarily. While low-fat options can be beneficial in some cases, they often compensate with added sugars or artificial ingredients. Choosing whole, minimally processed foods is generally a better approach.
Q: Can a specific diet or food component prevent certain diseases?
A: Some diets, like the Mediterranean diet, have shown potential in reducing the risk of certain diseases.4 However, no single food or diet can guarantee complete prevention; overall lifestyle and balanced diet plays a significant role.
Q: Is it better to focus on counting calories or on food quality when trying to manage weight?
A: Quality matters more than just calorie counting. Nutrient-dense, whole foods can help you feel more satisfied and provide essential vitamins and minerals, promoting sustainable weight management.
Q: Is it necessary to avoid all carbohydrates to lose weight?
A: No, it’s not necessary to eliminate all carbs. Eating carbohydrates to a limit5 and choosing complex carbohydrates like whole grains and legumes, along with balanced diet portions, can support weight loss and overall health.
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