Saturated Fat: Should You Worry?

Today we gently tackle another topic: saturated fat. Found mainly in fatty meats, butter, cheese and whole milk, saturated fats are composed of “saturated” hydrogen atoms, which make them rigid in structure and hard at room temperature. Saturated fat is also found in coconut milk, coconut oil, palm oil and cocoa butter.

Saturated Fat Dangers

Medical experts conclude that saturated fat raises LDL or “bad” cholesterol in the blood. It is damaging to the heart and arteries since LDL accumulates in artery walls and can trigger inflammation, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

The flip side is that saturated fats alone do not cause the condition. There are other factors like sedentary lifestyle, work stress and even other food eaten in conjunction with saturated fats. To minimize intake of “bad” saturated fats, choose lean sources of protein and low-fat or non-fat dairy products. Read labels on packaged foods, such as cookies, crackers and microwave popcorn, to avoid palm and coconut oil

What Should You Eat?

Continued studies of saturated fats may well expose other health risks, but the bottom line is that a heart attack or stroke is the result of many factors, not just saturated fat. Of course, you shouldn’t start eating a pound of bacon or chocolate every night. Moderation is the key.

When it comes to heart health, unsaturated fats, such as those in olive and canola oils, salmon, nuts and avocados are much healthier than saturated fat in red meat and butter. Choose to eat whole grains over refined carbohydrates and exercise at least 3-4  days of the week (30 minute intervals), and you’ll be enjoying a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Heart to Heart Talk

Was this article helpful? Comment here.