Saturated fats, found in animal products and tropical oils, have no double bonds and are associated with increased risk of diseases and mortality, suggesting the need to reduce intake and consider the food source.
Swapping saturated fats with refined carbohydrates has no favorable health effects, while replacing saturated fats with mono or poly unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and nuts, has been associated with better health outcomes.
Deep dives
Different types of fats and their properties
Fats can differ in terms of the length of their molecules and the number of double bonds. Mono unsaturated fats, found in olive oil and most vegetable oils, have one double bond and are linked to lower cholesterol levels and chronic disease. Poly unsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6, found in vegetable oils and oily fish, have more than one double bond and are essential for various biological functions. Saturated fats have no double bonds and are found in animal products and tropical oils.
Controversies and health effects of saturated fats
Population studies have shown that high levels of saturated fat consumption are associated with increased risk of diseases and mortality. Controlled trials have demonstrated that a diet high in saturated fats leads to unfavorable metabolic effects. However, some studies suggest that full-fat dairy products, despite their high saturated fat content, may reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The overall verdict suggests reducing saturated fat intake and considering the food source, moderating consumption, and being cautious of ultra-processed foods.
Swapping saturated fats and the role of refined carbohydrates
Swapping saturated fats with refined carbohydrates has shown no favorable health effects and can even lead to worse outcomes. On the other hand, replacing saturated fats with mono or poly unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and nuts, has been associated with better health outcomes. It is important to consider the complexity of food and prioritize whole, less processed options over refined carbohydrates when making dietary choices.
If you're confused about the health effects of fats, you are not alone. You've probably read the headlines - fats are killing us! Then found claims they’re actually healthy in the same publication the following week.
Saturated fats have been touted as the worst of all.
While there’s ambiguity around other fat sources, saturated fats are universally demonized.
But are they really the super villain we've been led to believe?