Study: Unsaturated Fats Cut Gallstone Risk
(Philadelphia, AP, 10/7/04)

Dr. Chung-Jyi Tsai of the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY and Dr. Edward L. Giovannucci of Harvard Medical School and their colleagues tracked 45,756 male dentists, veterinarians, optometrists, osteopaths and podiatrists from 1986 to 2000. During this 14-year period, 2,323 new cases of gallstones were reported among the subjects. The investigators determined that those consuming the least unsaturated fat were 18% more likely to develop gallstones than those consuming the most. Other researchers have also demonstrated that diets high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates increase gallstone risk. These findings suggest that a Mediterranean diet—rich in vegetable oil, nuts and fish—may help prevent gallstones.

(Annals of Internal Medicine, October 2004)