Healthy forms of saturated fat have always played an important role in human health, but so-called studies, such as Ancel Key’s and his six countries theory, have helped fuel the low-fat dogma for decades. Fortunately, researchers at Cambridge University have proven that giving up butter, cream, and fatty meat does not improve health. In fact, even if you don’t eat saturated fat, you still do not lower your risk for developing high cholesterol. The results, which were harvested from 72 studies including 600,000 participants from over 18 countries, shows that total saturated fat showed no definitive association with heart disease.
Sources of healthy, organic saturated fat, such as butter from grass-fed cows, coconut oil, eggs, avocados, and grass-fed meats, can help stave off hunger, protect cell membranes, improve liver function, boost immune system and balance hormone levels. The researchers of the study also highlighted margaric acid, a saturated fatty acid that is a trace component of the fat and milkfat of ruminants. In addition, both lauric and stearic acid found in fatty foods like dark chocolate, coconut oil, and beef doesn’t raise LDL levels at all. In reality, your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, a powerful monoglyceride with anti-virus and antibacterial capabilities.
But if you truly want to reduce your risk for developing heart disease, you must eliminate all processed foods, refined sugars, carbohydrates, and trans-fats. Trans-fats, which are chemically altered fats, cause high-blood pressure, insulin resistance, and raise triglycerides. Diet is just one way to improve overall health, but you can also prevent disease by increasing physical activity and refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol. If you drink red wine, make sure to limit yourself to one glass per day.
By eating organic, grass-fed sources of saturated fat, you can dramatically reduce the risk for heart disease and prevent chronic disease.
