Despite the fact that study results were released this week indicating that eating a strictly low fat diet will not lower the likelihood of developing cancer or heart disease, companies do not anticipate a decrease in the demand for low fat products.

All that the 8 year study of over 40,000 women proves is that there is no link between a strictly low fat diet and the onset of these diseases. By strictly low fat, I mean that the diets of the study participants did not take into account anything other than the fact that they followed a diet made up of less than 30% calories from fat. They could have had higher than the daily recommended number of calories, never exercised or simply been genetically predisposed to the diseases. In other words, while the low fat diets were not shown to lower the risk factors, they did not raise them.

So, should you still watch the amount of fat you eat?

Essentially, yes. A low fat diet does not cause cancer or heart disease, nor does it increase your risk of developing them. Other diets, however, might. High blood pressure and high cholesterol have been shown to increase the risk of developing heart disease and your risk may increase if you do not factor conditions like these into your diet. The best diet you can follow is simply to watch what you eat. Don't gorge on fats and don't cut them out completely. Look for healthy fats, like those found in fish, olive oil, nuts and avocados. Most importantly, vary your diet and eat healthy, not just "low fat" or "low carb". Think of "low fat" and "low carb" as techniques that, in conjunction with others such as reducing calories or eliminating many processed foods, can improve your diet and your health, if not necessarily prevent disease. Be aware of what you are eating and how food can affect your body and your lifestyle, but don't take it for granted that a particular food item is going to solve all your problems or cure any disease.