Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast ALAN FLANAGAN & DANNY LENNON: SATURATED FAT, BLOOD LIPIDS & HEART DISEASE RISK: WHAT THE EVIDENCE REALLY SAYS | EP. 167
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Jun 19, 2025 
Alan Flanagan, a PhD researcher specializing in chrononutrition, and Danny Lennon, host of Sigma Nutrition Radio, delve into the controversial topic of saturated fat. They highlight the importance of metabolic ward studies in understanding fat's effects on blood lipids. The pair scrutinize the often-misinterpreted Seven Countries Study and its implications for heart disease. With practical advice, they discuss effective dietary strategies and debunk common myths surrounding saturated fat, offering listeners a clearer picture of nutrition science.
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Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Link
- Saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol significantly more than polyunsaturated fats lower it.
- The P:S ratio (polyunsaturated to saturated fat) is the best predictor of cholesterol changes.
Replacing Saturated Fat Reduces Risk
- Replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat reduces LDL cholesterol and heart disease risk.
- This evidence is consistent across metabolic studies, epidemiology, and human trials.
Misconceptions Rooted in Motivated Reasoning
- Confusion over saturated fat arises partly from motivated reasoning and ignoring randomized controlled trials.
- The Seven Countries Study is often misrepresented but is robust in showing saturated fat's risk.