Why We Still Haven’t Gotten Fat Right: The Saturated Fat Debate

For years saturated fat was thought to be incredibly bad for you. But recent research is suggesting that saturated fat is not the enemy we thought it was.

So, wait... butter is actually good for you?

The debate has been going on for years. The early 1960s is when a lot of the confusion started. Your grandmothers used to cook with butter and lard all the time, and it wasn't that big of a deal.

But then, researchers and scientists began to link nutrition to disease and hypothesized that fat in one's diet led to fat in bodies, resulting in clogged arteries, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.. The logic that followed was to replace these fats, and that's when saturated fat got its bad reputation.

Which fats are safe, and which you can consume safely on a regular basis?

Some fats are beneficial and some, like saturated fats, just taste good and aren't that bad for you.

Omega-3 fats are the golden child of fats.

On the other hand, Omega-6 fats (vegetable oils, like corn/soy/sunflower) can force out the other beneficial fats that you do eat.

The key is finding the balance. Omega-6 and Omega-3 compete, so try to consume more Omega-3s than Omega-6s.

The good news is that saturated fats do not compete with Omega-3s. As long as you are getting enough Omega-3s in your diet, you are well on your way to optimal health. 

Health educator, Eliza Leggatt, joins Andrea and Lisa to share why saturated fats have gotten a bad rap, as well as which fats are safe and which ones you should avoid.