Consumed in moderation they cause no increased risk of heart disease,
stroke or diabetes.
The verdict marks an astonishing U-turn on dietary advice. For decades
public health chiefs have told people to steer clear of all foods containing
saturated fats if they want to avoid an early grave.
The study suggests that advice was worthless and the key to a long and
healthy life is to eat natural products.
Leading diet expert Zoe Harcombe said: “The fact we ever thought real
food was bad for us is one of the most stupid things we have ever seen in the
field of nutrition.”
Expert analysis by the researchers proves unnatural so-called trans fats
in processed foods are a danger with large amounts increasing the risk of death
by as much as 30 per cent.
But saturated fats from natural sources, such as dairy products or meat
such as steaks appear not to pose a threat.
Lead author Dr Russell de Souza said: “For years everyone has been
advised to cut out fats.
“Trans fats have no health benefits and pose a significant risk for heart
disease. But the case for saturated fat is less clear.”
The researchers from McMaster University in Canada reviewed 50
observational studies.
Their report, published today in the British Medical Journal, says by
contrast that consumption of industrial trans fats was associated with a 34 per
cent increase in deaths overall and a 28 per cent increased risk of heart
disease mortality.
Saturated fats come mainly from animal products, like butter, milk, meat,
salmon and egg yolks while trans fats are produced industrially from plant oils
for use in margarine and snack foods.
Advice issued by UK experts in 1991 claimed eating too much saturated fat
can raise cholesterol levels which increases the risk of heart
disease.
But health campaigners have now demanded an urgent review of guidelines
which have not been updated for years.
Consultant cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra said: “Current dietary
guidelines are not helping the obesity problem and, to some degree, are
contributing to it by promoting a ‘low fat is good for you’ message. Express.
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