Are You Getting Enough Saturated Fat?

We have been told for years to avoid/minimize our consumption of saturated fat foods because it increases risk of heart disease.

Well, recent research has not been able to support this. And a 2018 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that margaric acid, a saturated fatty acid found in full-fat dairy, was inversely associated with heart disease risk.   To maintain our health, or in many cases improve our overall health, it’s important to consume these saturated fat foods.

Saturated fats are essential to the following:

• Energy

• Hormone production

• Cellular membranes

• Signaling processes (including the appropriate release of insulin)

• Strong Immune system

• Brain health

• Heart health

• Liver health

• Strong Bones

• Organ padding

Significant Sources of Saturated Fat:

• Coconut oil

• Palm oil

• Meat

• Dairy

• Butter

• Lard

I encourage my patients to eat a diet that naturally contains a variety of natural fats in whole foods.   For a small portion of the population, it is wise to limit saturated fats. These are the “hyper-responders”, those with familial hypercholesterolemia, and those with the APoE4 gene.  For the rest of the population, it appears that it is not necessary or beneficial to health to significantly limit saturated fat consumption, if part of a healthy diet. Enjoy!