Heart disease connection with saturated fat could be dissolving
In recent times, a team of scientists from the University of Bergen has questioned the long-held belief that saturated fats are detrimental to heart health. The team believes that foods high in saturated fat, such as steak, butter, and cheese, have been unfairly maligned.
The body is uniquely designed to utilize saturated fats efficiently. Saturated fats play a crucial role in maintaining cell membrane health, with the body adjusting to use saturated fats for this purpose and adapting to use polyunsaturated fats as well.
Cholesterol, found in saturated fats, is vital for keeping the cells of the body healthy. Without enough cholesterol, the membranes surrounding cells can become either too stiff or too fluid. However, it's important to note that cholesterol problems may be more likely due to how the body responds to cholesterol, rather than the type of fat consumed.
For years, the medical community has warned that saturated fats can lead to blockages in arteries and potential heart damage. This warning is based on substantial evidence, particularly linking saturated fat intake to increased LDL cholesterol levels and an elevated risk of heart disease.
A large UK Biobank study involving 114,285 adults found a 19-21% increase in heart disease risk when saturated fat intake from meat increased by 5% of total calories, supporting the recommendation to limit saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories by authorities such as the European Society of Cardiology.
Saturated fats raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol, a well-established risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This relationship has been confirmed by decades of research and expert consensus.
However, the evidence is not without complexity. Some saturated fats from dairy sources, especially fermented dairy products like cheese and yogurt, may have neutral or even protective effects on cardiovascular health. The type and source of saturated fat appear important; meat-derived saturated fats are more consistently linked to increased risk compared to certain dairy fats.
In summary, while the warning about saturated fats and heart health is supported by robust evidence, particularly concerning meat-derived saturated fats and LDL cholesterol, research continues to refine how different sources of saturated fats impact cardiovascular risk. Moderation is key when it comes to consuming saturated fats as part of a healthy and balanced diet. It's essential to remember that too much of any type of fat is not good for health.
References:
[1] Aware app (2025). Saturated Fats and Heart Disease: What You Need to Know. [Online]. Available: https://aware.app/blog/saturated-fats-and-heart-disease-what-you-need-to-know/
[2] Nutr Metab (2025). Fermented Dairy Products and Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [Online]. Available: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-022-00598-3
[3] Healthline (2025). Saturated Fats: What They Are and Why They're Bad for You. [Online]. Available: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saturated-fat
[4] Healthline (2025). Debunking the Myths About Saturated Fats. [Online]. Available: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saturated-fat-myths-debunked
- The team's recent study challenges the conventional thinking that links saturated fats with negative effects on heart health, proposing that they are essential for aspects of health-and-wellness, such as cell membrane health and maintaining cellular integrity.
- Embracing a balanced approach to nutrition, fitness-and-exercise, and science-backed understanding, one might consider the potential health benefits of incorporating moderate amounts of saturated fats, such as dairy products like cheese and yogurt, for overall health and wellness improvements.
