But new research suggests that for many people, cutting back on their intake of saturated fats does not reduce their risk of death. <\/p>\n
For decades, saturated fats, which are naturally present in red meat and dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt, have gained a reputation as dietary villains. <\/p>\n
They have been linked to clogged arteries and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Heavy consumption has traditionally been viewed as one of the leading contributors to poor cardiovascular health, cementing saturated fats as a key target in public health campaigns and nutritional guidelines.<\/p>\n
While acknowledging that \u201ca small amount of fat is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet,\u201d the NHS advises that men should not eat more than 30g of saturated fats a day, and women no more than 20g, with the less consumed the better.<\/p>\n
But a major meta-analysis of 17 studies, involving a total of 66,337 participants, into how reductions of saturated fats affect health outcomes, found only \u201chigh risk\u201d individuals benefitted from reduced consumption of these foods.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor persons at low cardiovascular risk, reducing or modifying saturated fat intake has little or no benefit over a period of 5 years,\u201d the research team, writing in medical journal the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/a>, concluded. <\/p>\n However, they added: \u201cAmong persons at high cardiovascular risk, low- to moderate-certainty evidence was found for important reductions in mortality and major cardiovascular events.\u201d<\/p>\n In an editorial published alongside the research, Dr Ramon Estruch, and Dr Rosa Lamuela-Ravent\u00f3s, both of the University of Barcelona, suggested that the dial of perception on saturated fats has shifted from being wholly negative, to now even having previously under-appreciated health benefits.<\/p>\n
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