Saturated Fats Do Not Up the Risk of Heart Diseases, says Study

Eating food that contains saturated fat does not increase risk for heart diseases, according to a study published in the journal, Annals of Integral Medicine.

University of Cambridge researchers evaluated data from nearly 75 previous studies on links between cardiovascular diseases and consumption of polyunsaturated fat like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They found no concrete evidence against regular intake of fatty food to prevent heart problems.

It was also found that the effects of fatty acids from within the family had different impact on cardiodvascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids found in saturated fats of dairy products do not up cardiovascular risk but omega-6 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid, which are commonly found in processed food and vegetable oil are not so reliable.

Rajiv Chowdhury, lead author and researcher, said in a news release, "These are interesting results that potentially stimulate new lines of scientific inquiry and encourage careful reappraisal of our current nutritional guidelines. It is critical to have appropriate prevention guidelines which are informed by the best available scientific evidence"

 The study examined more than 72 studies involving 600,000 participants from 18 different countries. The researchers noted the levels of saturated fatty acids like palmitic and stearic acids found in plam oil and animal fats in diets or blood stream are not associated with plaque build-up in arteries increasing coronary disease risks. While, a dairy fat called margaric acid has notable effects by curbing heart problems.

Jeremy Pearson, co- author of the study, professor and associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation said, "This analysis of existing data suggests there isn't enough evidence to say that a diet rich in polyunsaturated fats but low in saturated fats reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. But large scale clinical studies are needed, as these researchers recommend, before making a conclusive judgment."

Experts caution that this study does not mean that dietary guidelines for cardiovascular health should be abandoned.

Alice H. Lichtenstein, a nutritional biochemist at Tufts University, told the New York Times, "It would be unfortunate if these results were interpreted to suggest that people can go back to eating butter and cheese with abandon," citing evidence that replacing saturated fat with foods that are high in polyunsaturated fats - instead of simply eating more carbohydrates - reduces cardiovascular risk.

 According to the data by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 600,000 Americans die of heart diseases every year. Coronary heart diseases cause almost 385,000 deaths annually.

 Prof Pearson said, "Alongside taking any necessary medication, the best way to stay heart healthy is to stop smoking, stay active, and ensure our whole diet is healthy."