Is saturated fat really bad for health?

The common view is that saturated fat raises cholesterol and is bad for health, but how true is this, really?

This view stems from the diet-heart hypothesis, first proposed in the 1950s, which postulates that saturated fat and cholesterol caused heart disease.

Studies do confirm that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fats (typically from vegetable oils) does indeed reduce cholesterol, but this is because vegetable oils contain plant sterols, which are chemically similar to cholesterol and inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol. With less cholesterol absorbed from food, the liver pulls more from the bloodstream with the effect that LDL cholesterol levels are lowered.

But some influential studies concluding that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fats with vegetable oils reduce the risk of coronary heart disease or death have been accused of cherry picking data. This includes the original study that gave rise to the diet-heart hypothesis. And more recent rigorous and large scale studies have come to the opposite conclusion – that for most people lower cholesterol levels lead to a higher risk of dying.

Overall, recent re-evaluations of data from many studies conclude that, despite extensive testing of the diet-heart hypothesis, the data do not support continued advice to restrict saturated fats for the prevention of heart disease.

So my conclusion is: no, saturated fat is not in itself bad for health. But in truth, we should not be focussing on a single nutrient. If we are concerned about heart health we should look more widely at our diet, and consume primarily whole natural foods. Including meat, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, vegetables and fruits in our diet ensures a mix of good natural fats, proteins, and the whole range of nutrients that support balance in the body.

Butter and dripping – tasty and not bad for you, especially when part of a diet primarily from whole natural foods

---

Thinking about an appointment?

If you are thinking about making an appointment, why not get in touch for a free confidential discovery call to help you decide whether to go ahead?

To get in touch, call or message me on 07733 110941, or send an email to hello@martintaylor-ebm.uk.

Alternatively use the contact form

Get in Touch