Photo courtesy Professor Nikolaos Tzenios Ph.D.,
Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
Maintaining a balanced diet is a top priority for those seeking a healthy lifestyle. Still, with the constant stream of ever-evolving nutritional advice and the abundance of conflicting information, it can be challenging to know where to start. Traditional low-fat diets have been marketed as a solution to health problems for years, conveying that less fat is healthier.
However, recent research has shed light on the limitations and flaws of these diets, revealing healthy fats to be a crucial element of a balanced and nutritious diet. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global market for healthy fats was valued at USD 7.08 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2021 to 2028. The growing demand for functional food and dietary supplements and increased consumer health awareness are driving the market growth.
Professor Nikolaos Tzenios, Ph.D., is a well-respected health researcher and academic who has played a crucial role in uncovering the benefits of healthy fat diets. He challenges the traditional belief that low-fat diets are the only way to achieve optimal health and shows that a ketogenic diet can offer significant benefits.
Uncovering the benefits of healthy fats
Professor Tzenios explained that there are several healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats found in foods such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts, and polyunsaturated fats found in foods such as vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain function and heart health, can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and in flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.
The academic was inspired by the idea that healthy fats are essential for a balanced and nutritious diet, which led him to conduct a deeper study. He has suggested the benefits of a very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (VLCKD) on cardiovascular health in adults with mildly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Through an open-label study, he found that the VLCKD had beneficial effects on body composition and cardiometabolic markers in both eutrophic and overweight participants over a 140-day study.
Professor Tzenios’ research suggests that this diet could have a future role in preventing cardiovascular disease, challenging the traditional belief that a low-fat diet is the only way to achieve optimal health. Consuming healthy fats in moderation can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and improve brain function while promoting satiety and aiding in weight management.
Making impactful contributions to health research and education
Professor Tzenios is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the health research field. He holds three doctorates and five postdoctoral achievements from prestigious institutions like Harvard University and Sorbonne. He is also a Fellow and Academician of seven science academies, including the Royal Society for Public Health and the World Academy of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he serves as the Senior Vice President of the World Academy of Medical Sciences and sits on the scientific board of the European Medical Association.
As a University Professor of Public Health and Medical Research and the TRC Gen+ Cancer Research Fund Director, Professor Tzenios has conducted extensive research on various medical topics. Some of his recent studies include “Determinants of Access to Healthcare,” “The Impact of Body Mass Index on Prostate Cancer,” and “Combining Influenza and COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Strategy to Improve Vaccination Uptake.” These studies highlight his commitment to improving public health through innovative research and evidence-based solutions.
Professor Tzenios is actively pursuing three more accredited doctorates and PhDs, which he is expected to defend in 2024. Recently, the Official World Records (OWR) recognized Professor Tzenios as the “Most Highly Educated Person in the World” and the “Most Titled Science Academicians in the World.” While his academic achievements are impressive, his passion for learning goes beyond formal education.
Revolutionizing health research
Professor Tzenios’ groundbreaking research on healthy fat diets has challenged traditional beliefs about nutrition and opened up new opportunities for innovation and advancements in healthcare. His findings suggest that healthy fats are an essential component of a balanced and nutritious diet, and his research will continue to inspire new approaches to nutrition and disease prevention.
As a highly accomplished and respected figure in health research, Professor Tzenios has made significant contributions to the field through his unwavering commitment to evidence-based solutions and innovative research. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous learning and exploring new avenues to improve public health.