American Heart Association – Reduce Animal-Based Saturated Fat To Five-Six Percent Of Total Calories
Not all saturated fat is equal, and it is the over consumption of animal-based saturated fat that is problematic. Cardiovascular guidelines encourage cutting down on the consumption of saturated fat in meat and dairy products.
Most dietary recommendations call for the reduction of saturated fat to reduce the risk of chronic diseases including coronary heart disease. Trans-fats and saturated fats are the problem, and this distinction must be made. The same distinction also has to be made for carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates in the form of fruits are good for us, but carbohydrates from processed foods are bad for us. There is tendency to lump all carbohydrates together as being bad for our health, and that cuts out an essential and necessary fuel source in the form of fruits. Not only do fruits provide health sustaining carbohydrates, they also provide health sustaining fiber and nutrients.
Over consumption of animal-based saturated fats are bad for us, but the consumption of saturated fat in the form of coconut oil is good for us. Coconut oil provides phytonutrients that boost the immune system, and raise good HDL cholesterol that is protective of heart health.
The American Heart Association recommends reducing saturated fat to no more then 5 to 6 percent of total calories consumed daily. Along with these recommendations, there is a global scientific consensus to limit the intake of saturated fat and the U.S Institute of Medicine and the European Food Safety Authority recommends pushing saturated fat consumption down as low as possible.
Tags: american heart association, heart disease, heart health