Sigma Nutrition Radio #569: The History of Fat, Cholesterol & Heart Disease
Jul 8, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Alan Flanagan, a seasoned nutritionist from Alinea Nutrition Education Hub, delves into the complexities surrounding saturated fat and heart disease. He debunks common myths, clarifying how saturated fat influences LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular health. Alan examines historical studies, like the controversial Seven Countries Study, revealing how lifestyle factors impact heart disease risk. The conversation emphasizes the need for personalized dietary approaches and the critical evaluation of research to navigate prevailing dietary misconceptions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Saturated Fat Raises LDL Cholesterol
- Metabolic ward studies from the 1950s onwards provide rigorous evidence that saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol.
- These studies consistently replicated findings that fatty acid composition influences blood cholesterol levels.
Replacing Saturated Fat Lowers Risk
- Replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat consistently lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces cardiovascular risk.
- This effect is supported by metabolic ward studies, epidemiology, and intervention trials alike.
Motivated Reasoning Fuels Confusion
- Confusion around saturated fat and heart disease often arises from motivated reasoning or selective evidence use.
- Dismissing large bodies of evidence like controlled trials and the Seven Countries Study lacks scientific basis.