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2010-03-23 07:19:27
Replacing saturated fats with healthier options can cut the risk of heart
disease by a fifth, a US study says.
The Harvard Medical School reports adds weight to the growing evidence about
polyunsaturated fats, found in some fish and vegetable oils.
The team analysed the findings from eight previous studies, covering more than
13,000 people, in their research.
Experts said cutting down on saturated fats, found in butter and meat, was just
one part of a healthy diet.
It is recommended that adults get no more than 11% of their energy from
saturated fats.
Our findings suggest that polyunsaturated fats would be a preferred
replacement for saturated fats for better heart health
Dariush Mozaffarian, lead researcher
This is because the fats raise the levels of bad cholesterol that block the
arteries to the heart.
In comparison, polyunsaturated fats have the opposite effect by increasing the
levels of good cholesterol.
The Harvard analysis suggested that for every 5% increase in polyunsaturated
fat consumption there was a 10% fall in heart disease.
The average rise in uptake of such fats was 10% giving the overall figure of a
fifth lower risk over a period of just over four years.
Replacement
Lead researcher Dariush Mozaffarian said there was always a risk cutting down
on saturated fats meant they were replaced with other bad options such as
trans-fats which are found in processed foods such as biscuits and cakes.
He added: "Our findings suggest that polyunsaturated fats would be a preferred
replacement for saturated fats for better heart health."
Victoria Taylor, from the British Heart Foundation, said the research
reinforced existing recommendations to reduce saturated fats.
But she added: "What this study doesn't consider is whether substitution with
monounsaturated fats, such as olive and rapeseed oils, would have similar
benefits so more research is needed to understand this area fully.
"While the fat content and profile of your diet is clearly important, it must
also be seen as just one part of a heart healthy diet where a low saturated fat
and salt intake is combined with the consumption of oily fish and at least five
portions of fruit and vegetables a day."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/8580899.stm
Published: 2010/03/23 00:50:25 GMT