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Stop picking sides in the diet debate — just eat well. At the Cardiometabolic Health Congress, Johns Hopkins' Dr. Lawrence Appel argued that endless diet comparisons fuel fad trends without improving health. The real focus, backed by an American Heart Association statement, should be on eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins — and less added sugar, sodium, and ultraprocessed foods.
The debate over which diet reigns supreme — keto vs. paleo, low-fat vs. low-carb — has done more harm than good, according to Johns Hopkins professor Dr. Lawrence Appel, speaking at the Cardiometabolic Health Congress. Rather than championing any single diet, Appel co-authored an American Heart Association scientific statement that shifts the focus to the features of a healthy diet: plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy proteins, and unsaturated fats, while cutting back on added sugars, sodium, alcohol, and ultraprocessed foods.
One nuance worth noting: plant-based meat alternatives, while protein-rich, are often ultraprocessed and high in sodium — so they may not be the heart-healthy swap people assume. And while the evidence on ultraprocessed foods is largely observational, the concern remains valid given their typical nutrient profiles.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Ongoing diet debates confuse patients and clinicians alike, while lending undeserved credibility to fad diets. Refocusing on food-group-level recommendations — rather than named diets — offers a clearer, evidence-based path to better cardiovascular and metabolic health.
