A study review suggests that saturated fats may not be the big contributors to heart disease or early death that many think they are.
According to the authors, current dietary guidelines suggest limiting saturated fats to less than 10 percent of total caloric intake. The team of Canadian researchers did find a link between heart troubles and trans fats, which are found in highly processed foods.
The team’s saturated fats analysis involved 41 studies conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Canada, China, Greece and Australia. An international investigation was also included in the review.
The review focused on trans fat based on 20 studies conducted in the United States, Finland, China and the Netherlands.
The review did not find clear evidence linking higher quantities of saturated fat and a higher risk of death, stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, no clear link does not mean there is no association.
“The message still remains to limit saturated fat and aim for getting your fats from the mono and polyunsaturated fats that we are pretty confident are good for health,” said Lono Sandon, an assistant professor of clinical nutrition with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
For tips on choosing healthy fats, click here.
