Aurelio Rojas, cardiologist: "These three classic health tips no longer hold water, even if the WHO says so."

Many of the recommendations that have guided our daily diet for decades could be under scientific scrutiny. Cardiologist Aurelio Rojas , known for his evidence-based approach to nutrition, explained in a recent post on his Instagram account why some of this traditional advice (backed even by organizations like the World Health Organization) may not be beneficial in all cases . His direct but well-documented message proposes a paradigm shift based on three oft-repeated pillars: low-fat consumption, five meals a day, and strict salt restriction .

"Eliminating fat from foods has led to an avalanche of 'light' products loaded with sugar and ultra-processed foods ," says Rojas, who questions whether many of these foods truly deserve to be called 'light'. Although for years the idea of minimizing fat in the diet was promoted, current evidence highlights the value of healthy fats from products such as olive oil, nuts, and oily fish for cardiovascular and brain protection. This is reflected in studies published in JAMA and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which the doctor cites in the video description.

The second recommendation the specialist questions is eating five times a day . "The WHO and many traditional dietary guidelines promoted eating five meals a day. But new studies show that this frequency can lead to more insulin spikes and greater systemic inflammation," he notes. In contrast to this classic guideline, Rojas cites the benefits of intermittent fasting , which, according to research in The New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics , can improve insulin sensitivity and promote cell regeneration.

Salt is not such an enemy

Third, Rojas qualifies the common advice to minimize salt intake. Although the WHO recommends not exceeding 5g per day , recent research suggests that amounts much lower than this can also be harmful, especially for healthy, active people . "Studies reveal a U-shaped curve: consuming too little salt can be equally or more harmful than a moderate excess," he explains, citing publications in The Lancet and the European Heart Journal . According to his analysis, the real problem isn't table salt , but the hidden sodium in ultra-processed foods, and he suggests moderate consumption, without the need to reduce it to the minimum.

The post, which has already been widely shared and commented on in just a few days, is not intended to generate alarm or promote extreme habits, but rather to invite critical reflection on recommendations that have become outdated . As on other occasions, Aurelio Rojas supports his assertions with verified medical literature and focuses on the personalization of health . His final message is clear: science advances, and our dietary choices must advance with it .