New Analysis on Saturated Fat and Heart Health
Saturated fats found mainly in meat and dairy products have garnered a bad reputation in the health industry for quite some time. A new analysis of published studies finds no clear connection between people’s intake of saturated fat and their risk of developing heart disease.
Research has previously shown that saturated fat can raise blood levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and this is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Because of this relationship, experts have generally advised people to limit their intake of fatty meat, butter, and full-fat dairy.
In the new analysis, which combined the results of 21 previous studies, researchers found no clear evidence that higher saturated fat intakes led to higher risks of hear disease or stroke. These findings, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, may sound like good news for steak and dairy lovers, but a past American Heart Association president cautioned against “over interpreting” the results. These new analyses are not going to change recommendations to keep saturated fat intake in check.
Perhaps the best take-away from the new interpretations is heart health is moving away from focusing on single nutrients and more toward “dietary patterns.” For example, a “Mediterranean” diet described as one rich in whole grains, fish, and unsaturated fats from vegetable oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Opposed to a so-called “Western” diet high in red and processed meats, saturated fats, and sweets would not be good in promoting heart health.
Click here for more Fat Facts.
Related posts:
- How Do I Manage My Cholesterol? Having abnormal cholesterol levels can significantly increase your risk of...
- New Research on a Low Fat Diet’s Heart Effects Investing time and energy on a low fat diet may...
- Ways that Pets Can Boost Health There’s no doubt that pets can make their owners feel...
- Best Heart Healthy Foods Check out this list for some of the best heart...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
