Conventional wisdom states that eating too much saturated fat increases the risk of heart disease, and heart attack. A recent analysis of 21 saturated fat/heart health studies, however, shows no link between saturated fat intake and heart disease.
Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
Studies have shown a link between the dietary intake of saturated fat and resulting levels of blood cholesterol. As a result, current health guidelines advise limiting the amount of saturated fat in the diet.
Long-term study analysis
Despite the apparent link between an increase in blood cholesterol levels and saturated fat intake, an analysis of 21 long-term heart health studies shows that there is apparently no link between saturated fat intake and heart disease. Close to 350,000 adults were followed for periods ranging from five years to twenty-three years in the 21 studies examined. While 11,000 of the study participants developed cardiovascular symptoms, there was no difference in the number of those that reported eating a high saturated fat diet, and those that reported eating a low saturated fat diet.
Heart health conclusions
Despite the study analysis, it is most likely that dietary recommendations will not change drastically. It is possible, however, that the support for a higher level of saturated fat in the diet may improve the reputation of low-carb diet plans, such as the Atkins diet.
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Reference:
American Heart Association Heart Healthy Diet
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Fox News Report, February 5, 2010
Comments
"It is possible, however, that the support for a higher level of saturated fat in the diet may improve the reputation of low-carb diet plans, such as the Atkins diet."
That is good news to hear. Although I don't do the Atkins diet, I do another low-carb, low-fat diet -- Medifast Diet. I like it because it doesn't make me feel weak/unhealthy (plus there's some good discounts on websites like SwoopUp.com, Savings.com, CouponCabin.com).
Thanks for the feedback Victoria! Glad to hear there's no link!! =)
"dietary recommendations will not change drastically."
Certainly not. If people started eating more whole foods like meat and eggs, they might not buy as much pre-packaged wheat/corn/sugar products. And we can't have that, can we?
Thanks for the comment, Michelle. :)
Randy: It would be interesting to see if the obesity trend that started when low fat/low cal diets became fashionable would reverse if people started eating bacon and eggs for breakfast again. :)
This is good to know... we are taught that fats are so bad for the heart... low carb higher fat diets are usually quite effective for losing weight, but given a bad rap for the heart. I wish the experts would make up their minds.
The article from Fox News does not state there is no link as is stated in this examiner article. Instead, the Fox News article states there is no CLEAR link between saturated fats and heart disease. There are also many studies done that do show a direct correlation. Be heart smart and read the literature.
Charlene- I think that it just seems so counterintuitive to the medical establishment. However, Low-carb studies are showing that lc (which tends to be high-fat) is good for blood pressure and cholesterol levels, even. :)
Lucky Duck- Thanks for your comment. While the Fox News story does not say "no link", the actual study does. Follow the link that says "U.S. Journal of Clinical Nutrition" to see the actual study conclusions.
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