Canadian researchers recently released the outcome of their long-term study that aims to establish a close link between the consumption of saturated fats and the risks of developing health hazards such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes to name a few.
Last month, it was on the headlines and drew a lot of attention and confusion because it declared that saturated fat is no longer considered harmful to one's health.
The analysis revealed that there was no direct association between consumption of saturated fat found in meat and dairy products and the future risks of coronary disease being developed by the individual.
However,it is not at all surprising to know that the study further revealed that Trans fats remains harmful to health.The highest intake of trans fat was linked to a 21% higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 33% higher mortality rate compared with the lowest intakes. The BMJ medical journal published these findings last August 12.
It is rather unfortunate that the news coverage on this missed on the whole point of the study. Since a person's overall health is not solely dependent on the amount of saturated fat he consumes or does not consume in his diet but more with where he gets his daily caloric intake.
Simply put, even if the person cuts down his saturated fat intake by eating less of red meat and dairy products but in the process replaces these with refined carbohydrates from white bread, white potatoes and sugary drinks and sweets then his health may actually be no better than those people who do not limit their saturated fat intake but adds a healthy amount of greens, fresh fruits, legumes and whole grains into their diet.
The American Heart Association together with experts and the professional societies on health have always recommended a dietary plan that consists of a variety of dark leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains for the daily dietary fiber requirement of an individual. Fish,poultry, beans, nuts and seeds for his protein needs. And as a precautionary measure they continually advise people to limit their intake of sweets, sugary drinks and red meat.
People who follow this plan have consistently fared better with their health.
