Replace saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats may reduce cardiovascular disease risk, says a study.

Scientists at Harvard Medical School, United States, say the research confirms the mounting evidence of polyunsaturated fatty acids found in some fish and vegetable oils.

The team analyzed the results of eight previous studies involving a total of 13,000 people.

They found that individuals who substituted in their diet to saturated fats-found in butter and meat-by polyunsaturated achieved a reduction of almost 20% lower risk of cardiovascular events.

Experts recommend that adults get no more than 11% of its energy from saturated fats.

This is because these chemicals raise levels of bad cholesterol that clogs arteries.

On the other hand, they say, polyunsaturated fatty acids have the opposite effect because it can increase levels of good cholesterol in the blood.

Harvard researchers say that for every 5% increase in polyunsaturated fat intake is a 10% reduction in heart disease.

Replacement

Dr. Dariush Mazaffarian, who led the study, says there is always the risk that saturated fats are replaced by alternatives bad as trans fatty acids, found in processed foods like cookies and cakes.

“Our results show that polyunsaturated fats should be the main alternative of replacing saturated fats for good heart health,” says the scientist.

According to Victoria Taylor, of the British Heart Foundation, this research reinforces existing recommendations that call for reduction in saturated fats.

But he adds that “what this study does not take into account is whether the substitution with monounsaturated fats like olive oil or canola oil, could have similar benefits. It is therefore necessary to conduct further research to study this area further .

“While the content of fat in the diet is clearly important, is a factor that must be seen as only part of a diet for a healthy heart in which a low intake of saturated fat and salt is combined with the ingestion of fish fat and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, “said the expert.

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