Results of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Study, suggest that a diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and grains does not reduce a postmenopausal woman’s risk for developing breast cancer, colorectal cancer or cardiovascular disease. The WHI study involved nearly 50,000 postmenopausal women. The WHI results do suggest, however, that women who achieved greater reductions in saturated fat or trans fat in their diet and higher intakes of fruits and vegetables, might experience a reduced risk of heart attacks. Overall, the researchers reported that the WHI low-fat diet is consistent with the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 and remains a healthy option for postmenopausal women in general.

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, February 8, 2006.