Not all fats are bad — some protect your heart!
Dietary Fats and Cardio-Metabolic Outcomes in a Cohort of Italian Adults
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
This study looked at what fats people in southern Italy ate and how it affected their health. Some fats, like those in dairy and olive oil, helped lower disease risk. But one rare fat made health problems more likely.
Surprising Findings
Higher total saturated fat intake was associated with a 45% lower risk of hypertension (OR=0.55), not higher.
For 50+ years, health agencies told us saturated fat clogs arteries and causes heart disease — this study says the opposite in a real-world population.
Practical Takeaways
Replace processed oils (soybean, canola) with olive oil, butter from grass-fed cows, and fatty fish like salmon.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
This study looked at what fats people in southern Italy ate and how it affected their health. Some fats, like those in dairy and olive oil, helped lower disease risk. But one rare fat made health problems more likely.
Surprising Findings
Higher total saturated fat intake was associated with a 45% lower risk of hypertension (OR=0.55), not higher.
For 50+ years, health agencies told us saturated fat clogs arteries and causes heart disease — this study says the opposite in a real-world population.
Practical Takeaways
Replace processed oils (soybean, canola) with olive oil, butter from grass-fed cows, and fatty fish like salmon.
Publication
Journal
Nutrients
Year
2022
Authors
W. Currenti, J. Godos, Amer Alanazi, Giuseppe Grosso, R. Cincione, S. La Vignera, S. Buscemi, F. Galvano
Related Content
Claims (6)
Human evolutionary physiology is adapted to metabolize and utilize animal-derived saturated and monounsaturated fats as primary dietary lipids.
People who eat more of the short and medium fats found in dairy and coconut oil are much less likely to have high cholesterol or diabetes, possibly because these fats help the body manage blood sugar and fats better.
People who eat more olive oil and nuts — which are rich in oleic acid — are much less likely to develop diabetes or high blood pressure, possibly because this fat helps the body use insulin better and keeps blood vessels healthy.
People who consume more of a rare fat called C20:1 — found in some processed oils — are more than twice as likely to have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, possibly because this fat harms blood vessels or metabolism.
People who eat more fish oil or fatty fish — which contain EPA — are much less likely to have high blood pressure, possibly because EPA helps relax blood vessels and reduce inflammation.