A new study challenged current diet guidelines that suggest those who are concerned about heart health should avoid saturated fats and opt for polyunsaturated fats.
Researchers reviewed a number of past studies on "coronary risk and fatty acid intake," a University of Cambridge news release reported. The team found "insufficient support" for guidelines which encourage high consumption of polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3s. When examined, the effects of both types of fat on cardiovascular risk varied within the same "broad family."
"These are interesting results that potentially stimulate new lines of scientific inquiry and encourage careful reappraisal of our current nutritional guidelines," Doctor Rajiv Chowdhury, the lead author of the research at the University of Cambridge, said in the news release.
"Cardiovascular disease, in which the principal manifestation is coronary heart disease, remains the single leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In 2008, more than 17 million people died from a cardiovascular cause globally. With so many affected by this illness, it is critical to have appropriate prevention guidelines which are informed by the best available scientific evidence," he said.
The research team looked at 72 unique studies that encompassed over 600,000 participants. They concluded that total saturated fatty acid was not associated with cardiovascular risk in observational studies.
The team also found no link between coronary disease risk and consumption of "monounsaturated fatty acids, long-chain omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids," the news release reported.
The researchers were able to find a link between long-chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and cardiovascular risk. They found "eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (two main types of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), and arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fat" were associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
"This analysis of existing data suggests there isn't enough evidence to say that a diet rich in polyunsaturated fats but low in saturated fats reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. But large scale clinical studies are needed, as these researchers recommend, before making a conclusive [judgment]," Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation said in the news release.
"Alongside taking any necessary medication, the best way to stay heart healthy is to stop smoking, stay active, and ensure our whole diet is healthy - and this means considering not only the fats in our diet but also our intake of salt, sugar and fruit and vegetables," he said.
