Odd, saturated fat not so bad as thought

By 11. August 2014Blog, Health, Nutrition

Scientific opinion of saturated fat is changing, for years we have been told to reduce our intake and told of all the problems associated with eating too much saturated fat including increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

As the evidence begins to mount opinion is changing. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) can be divided into 2 groups, those with an odd number of carbon chains and those with an even number. In the latest publication regarding the matter researchers have shown that odd chain SFAs (and very long chain SFAs) are associated with a reduction in type 2 diabetes whereas even chained SFAs are associated with an increase.

So, all well and good but how does this translate in real life? That is where is becomes abit complicated, the odd chain SFAs are markers of eating dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. The even chain SFAs can come from the diet but can also be produced in the body as it deals with alcohol and carbohydrates.

The researchers recommend more studies on even chain SFAs and their effects. In the meantime, keep eating those yogurts.

The paper is published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.