Saturated fat DOESN’T cause heart disease after all: Scientists say foods such as butter have been unfairly demonised

[LucasOowada]

This is good news. I loves me some butter.

 

[Vico]

“Too much fat is bad for you” and yet, I’ve read that native Eskimos when following their native diet which is mostly fat were far healthier than their modern-day descendants who follow a Western diet with a lot less fat and consequently suffer high rates of heart disease and diabetes, the so-called “civilized” diseases which were unknown there before contact with and colonization by the West.

That is a good point. See this:
A study of Yup’ik Eskimos in Alaska, who on average consume 20 times more omega-3 fats from fish than people in the lower 48 states, suggests that a high intake of these fats helps prevent obesity-related chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324153712.htm

 

[ishii]

dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2582867/Saturated-fat-DOESNT-cause-heart-disease-all.html

Guidelines urging people to avoid fat to stave off heart disease ‘are wrong’

• There is no evidence of a link between saturated fat and heart disease
• Healthy polyunsaturated fats also do not reduce heart disease risk
• A dairy fat ‘significantly reduces’ heart disease risk

Thoughts?

I for one have never believed saturated fat is bad, I use lard for frying and baking, I use butter for baking too and for sandwiches and I love suet dumplings and puddings. Also beef fat makes great chips (French fries) Fat on steaks? chicken skin? I eat it all.

Great ! Break out the fries (chips, to those in the UK), burgers, pizza, creampuffs, donuts, etc.

Actually, I am not about to throw out the collected wisdom of decades of research on this. Plus, healthy food tastes good: sushi and “Mediterranean diet” style food are great. Exercise is fun and healthy too. I would caution anyone from throwing caution to the winds based on this report. Two years from now, another report will come out saying, " wait a minute, we were wrong. Diets high in saturated fats are unhealthy."

Ishii

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

Potatoes and corn will also make you fat. How do you think they fatten cows and pigs ?

I’ll tell you what. Eat only at McDonald’s for six months, which will provide you with plenty of saturated fats.

Then for the next six months after that, eat nothing but corn and potatoes.

During each experiment, have your blood examined each week. Report back the results, and we’ll continue the discussion.

FWIW, I’ve done such experiments on myself, so some of my opinions on the matter come from first hand experience. A family member (body builder) has also done the same, so I am also familiar with the effects of high-protein diets on the body.

 

[ishii]

Lewis & Clark’s men ate between 6 and 9 lbs of meat per day while on expedition and most of them lived long lives.

Well, they also burned thousands of calories a day on the expedition. That is different from the largely sedentary lifestyle that exists in modern America.

Ishii

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

That is a good point. See this:
A study of Yup’ik Eskimos in Alaska, who on average consume 20 times more omega-3 fats from fish than people in the lower 48 states, suggests that a high intake of these fats helps prevent obesity-related chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324153712.htm

If you do further research, you will find that Eskimos have high rates of osteoporosis, due to their high-protein diets. Pretty amazing since they also have some of the highest calcium intakes on the planet.

The natural Eskimo diet is not balanced, though no fault of their own. It’s simply a function of the environment they live in.

 

[ishii]

If you do further research, you will find that Eskimos have high rates of osteoporosis, due to their high-protein diets. Pretty amazing since they also have some of the highest calcium intakes on the planet.

The natural Eskimo diet is not balanced, though no fault of their own. It’s simply a function of the environment they live in.

Some of the longest living people are the Japanese - who eat far less red meat that Americans and eat much more fish that is high in Omega 3. Also eat more vegetables. However, high blood pressure is a problem due to the high sodium in Soy based foods.

Ishii

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

Some of the longest living people are the Japanese - who eat far less red meat that Americans and eat much more fish that is high in Omega 3. Also eat more vegetables. However, high blood pressure is a problem due to the high sodium in Soy based foods.

Ishii

The high-sodium diet also causes higher rates of stomach cancer relative to the west. But the Japanese are certainly on the right track with diet, as are many of the other Asian countries (China, Thailand, etc.).

I’ve been to China several times. It was very interesting with regard to cuisine. I ate like there was no tomorrow (2-3x what I normally eat here in the U.S.), yet I gained no weight. The food was also heavy on the vegetables, with meat used more as a condiment than a main course (at least in the areas of the country I was at where westerners didn’t frequent). Rice was also not commonly served with meals (unlike the west, where they give you plenty of it), though it was available if requested.

 

[Deus_tecum]

I’ll tell you what. Eat only at McDonald’s for six months, which will provide you with plenty of saturated fats.

Then for the next six months after that, eat nothing but corn and potatoes.

During each experiment, have your blood examined each week. Report back the results, and we’ll continue the discussion.

FWIW, I’ve done such experiments on myself, so some of my opinions on the matter come from first hand experience. A family member (body builder) has also done the same, so I am also familiar with the effects of high-protein diets on the body.

That’s not a very good experiment since it seems you are trying to show that saturated fat causes weight gain and health problems, but you are directing him to try a McDonald’s only diet which in caloric terms is mostly carbs from potatoes, bread, and soda pop. You then ask him to try a high carb grain and vegetable only diet for comparison. That’s two high carb diets, and the other guy never said saturated fats are good for you in the presence of high blood sugar caused by carbs.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I’ll tell you what. Eat only at McDonald’s for six months, which will provide you with plenty of saturated fats.

Then for the next six months after that, eat nothing but corn and potatoes.

During each experiment, have your blood examined each week. Report back the results, and we’ll continue the discussion.

FWIW, I’ve done such experiments on myself, so some of my opinions on the matter come from first hand experience. A family member (body builder) has also done the same, so I am also familiar with the effects of high-protein diets on the body.

If you eat at McDonald’s, you’ll be eating mostly simple carbs in the bread and condiments., Also, you 'll be eating fries, i.e potatoes, which will put more fat and triglycerides in your body than the little saturated fat in the little beef in their burgers.

Using McDonalds as an argument against consuming saturated fat fails when you look at what is actually in the food there.

It’s a biological fact, that saturated fat does not make you fat, carbs do.

Jim

 

[Deus_tecum]

The experiment to run instead is this:

1. For 6 months eat only corn and potatoes. Note weight and blood work throughout duration.
2. For 6 months, for each meal eat any kind of non processed meat with 2 to 3 servings of vegetables one of which can be a root vegetable (except for potato). Note weight and blood work throughout duration.

 

[Cricket2]

About a year ago I heard a cardiologist speak on this on a popular TV show. He said that fats are NOT the cause of heart disease, and the proof is in the fact that the rate of heart disease in western countries has not decreased one iota since the advent of low fat diets and cholesterol-reducing drugs. The cause, he said, was inflammation, which causes damage to the lining of the arteries. This, apparently is being borne out by the latest research. Fats should be eaten like everything else-in moderation. There is no need to go on a low-fat diet, per this cardiologist. The key, he said, is to eat a variety of foods, esp. fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and moderate EXERCISE. People need to get off their butts.

I think that cardiologists have been questioning the theory that saturated fats cause heart disease for a while now, but lipid-lowering drugs are a big buck industry. The pharmaceutical industry is not going to buy into this.

One thing my doctor told me is that exercise is the key, but it does not have to be sustained vigorous exercise. He said a hormone is released after about 20 minutes of sustained walking which contributes to keeping the lining of the arteries smooth.

It is going to be very interesting to see what develops in the next few years. Meanwhile, I will enjoy my poached eggs with buttered toast in the am.

Ah. You have hit the old nail on the head. The pharmaceutical industry likes its profits for sure.

And as you may know, it is now very clear that SUGAR causes chronic inflammation. Cut back on sugar and you might be surprised by how much weight can be lost, how much healthier you will feel. Remember, the foods that are “Fat Free” usually are flavored up with added sugar and salt. You are better off to eat the regular fats in food in moderation.

And as far as artificial sweetners… I think they are pure poison and should be taken off the market. Try a little honey, pure maple syrup (the real stuff) and even agave. Try “sweet spices” like cinnamon, cloves or mint, to flavor things. Even basil is sweet in nature and can flavor things nicely.

Just some ideas for those who might want to cut out sugar. Use less.

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

It’s a biological fact, that saturated fat does not make you fat, carbs do.

It’s a biological fact this statement is outrageously incorrect. 1 gram of carbs contains 4 calories; 1 gram of fat contains 9 calories. Therefore one has to eat more than twice as many carbs just to equal the calorie content of fat.

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

The experiment to run instead is this:

1. For 6 months eat only corn and potatoes. Note weight and blood work throughout duration.
2. For 6 months, for each meal eat any kind of non processed meat with 2 to 3 servings of vegetables one of which can be a root vegetable (except for potato). Note weight and blood work throughout duration.

Or one could just eat the diet one of my buddies back in the day does. He eats a high-protein, high saturated fat, low-carb diet. He’s pushing 500 pounds right now.

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

BTW, whenever I want to lose weight, I go on a high-carb, low-protein, low-fat diet. Carbs are from natural, unprocessed sources (vegetables, unprocessed grains, fruits, etc.). Fats for the most part are limited to (unsaturated) essential fatty acids. The weight flies off, and the cholesterol level plummets.

 

[Deus_tecum]

Or one could just eat the diet one of my buddies back in the day does. He eats a high-protein, high saturated fat, low-carb diet. He’s pushing 500 pounds right now.

I am sorry to hear of your friend’s lack of success, and perhaps lack of discipline. I do not eat a high fat or high protein diet, but I take no pains to make sure meat is extra lean. I eat close to the diet I mentioned in step 2 of the experiment. I simply cut out most grains and all sugar unless it is from a piece of fruit. It has been highly successful, and given me back the fit appearance I had when I was 25, and that was over 25 years ago. In additional I am able to sprint now and had not done that in years. I find myself taking 2-3 steps at a time going up, and leap down flights of 4-6 stairs. There is a lot more to add but I don’t think you are interested. BTW in regard to your friend, going low carb does not mean you get to eat 3 lbs of bacon per day. If he ate the way I eat, he WOULD lose weight.

Congrats to you if low fat and/or vegan works for YOU. I tried it and hated vegetables without some butter or meat grease on them. Lean meats are often too dry and chewy, and one can get awfully tired of chicken breast. As for me I will go with what WORKS, and what is simple enough to pass on to others. High or even mid carb diets leave people feeling hungry all the time. Low carb diets leave one feeling satiated. Who do you think will eat more in the end? Who do you think will quit the diet first?

 

[JimR-OCDS]

It’s a biological fact this statement is outrageously incorrect. 1 gram of carbs contains 4 calories; 1 gram of fat contains 9 calories. Therefore one has to eat more than twice as many carbs just to equal the calorie content of fat.

All the latest research shows that fat does not make you fat. 1 gram of fat = 4 calories, but it’s almost impossible to over eat the calories in fat to have you gain weight. A 180 lb man needs 1800 calories to maintain his weight. To eat more than 1800 calories in fat is near impossible. Also, fat satisfies hunger where a person doesn’t feel the need to over eat in calories.

When you start looking at glycemic indexes and sugar amounts, it’s easy to see why too many carbs puts weight on people and it’s so east to eat.

Compare the carbs. 1 baked potato contains as much sugar as an entire head of broccoli, an amount few could ever eat in a day, much less in one meal.

Here’s an article, one of many which supports my statement that you find so outrageous.

Experts dispel diet myths: 'Eating fat doesn’t make you fat

Samantha ChangCelebrity Fitness and Health Examiner

Eating fatty foods does not make you fat

October 15, 2013

Diet experts are frustrated that myths about certain foods persist despite the fact that science has debunked them as untrue. One of the most common myths is that eating fat makes you fat. While certain fats, such as trans-fats, are categorically unhealthy, experts say we need fat in our diets to achieve optimal health.

“Eating fatty foods does not make you fat,” Dr. Carly Stewart of Cardiff Metropolitan University told LifeHacker Oct. 14. “Fat in moderation is a necessary part of any healthy and balanced diet.”

examiner.com/article/experts-dispel-diet-myths-eating-fat-doesn-t-make-you-fat

Jim

 

[ishii]

I am sorry to hear of your friend’s lack of success, and perhaps lack of discipline. I do not eat a high fat or high protein diet, but I take no pains to make sure meat is extra lean. I eat close to the diet I mentioned in step 2 of the experiment. I simply cut out most grains and all sugar unless it is from a piece of fruit. It has been highly successful, and given me back the fit appearance I had when I was 25, and that was over 25 years ago. In additional I am able to sprint now and had not done that in years. I find myself taking 2-3 steps at a time going up, and leap down flights of 4-6 stairs. There is a lot more to add but I don’t think you are interested. BTW in regard to your friend, going low carb does not mean you get to eat 3 lbs of bacon per day. If he ate the way I eat, he WOULD lose weight.

Congrats to you if low fat and/or vegan works for YOU. I tried it and hated vegetables without some butter or meat grease on them. Lean meats are often too dry and chewy, and one can get awfully tired of chicken breast. As for me I will go with what WORKS, and what is simple enough to pass on to others. High or even mid carb diets leave people feeling hungry all the time. Low carb diets leave one feeling satiated. Who do you think will eat more in the end? Who do you think will quit the diet first?

Interesting. YOu cut out most grains and sugar. I have been struggling to win the “biggest loser” contest at our office. I have about another month and a half to move ahead. I have had the most success cutting out fried food and sugary foods. And cutting down on carbs (but not cutting them out entirely). My biggest challenge is portion control. So I might try to cut out the carbs more. What do you replace them with?

Ishii

 

[Deus_tecum]

Interesting. YOu cut out most grains and sugar. I have been struggling to win the “biggest loser” contest at our office. I have about another month and a half to move ahead. I have had the most success cutting out fried food and sugary foods. And cutting down on carbs (but not cutting them out entirely). My biggest challenge is portion control. So I might try to cut out the carbs more. What do you replace them with?

Ishii

Thank you for your interest. You may be surprised by the answer. First of all sugar is a carbohydrate. You are right to get rid of it, but things like white bread and potatoes turn into blood sugar very quickly in the body, so they are essentially the same as sugar. Too much blood sugar is harmful so an insulin response is triggered to store the excess carbs as body fat. If you have excess body fat, why put more carbs in your body each day? Why not burn the stored energy that you have which is body fat? That’s why it got stored; so you could use it later.

Now that being said, I do not advocate zero carb, though if you are healthy and wanted to win the contest you could do that to lose weight quicker. I suggest you get a small amount of carbs per day from 2 servings of root vegetables, and a piece of fruit. You must take in less carbs than your energy needs per day or your body will have no incentive to burn fat. There are 3500 calories in 1 lb of body fat. These are the calories you will use once the blood sugar swings stop. You need protein and nutrients, but you don’t need hardly any carbs until the weight comes off. You decide when to stop.

 

[ishii]

Thank you for your interest. You may be surprised by the answer. First of all sugar is a carbohydrate. You are right to get rid of it, but things like white bread and potatoes turn into blood sugar very quickly in the body, so they are essentially the same as sugar. Too much blood sugar is harmful so an insulin response is triggered to store the excess carbs as body fat. If you have excess body fat, why put more carbs in your body each day? Why not burn the stored energy that you have which is body fat? That’s why it got stored; so you could use it later.

Now that being said, I do not advocate zero carb, though if you are healthy and wanted to win the contest you could do that to lose weight quicker. I suggest you get a small amount of carbs per day from 2 servings of root vegetables, and a piece of fruit. You must take in less carbs than your energy needs per day or your body will have no incentive to burn fat. There are 3500 calories in 1 lb of body fat. These are the calories you will use once the blood sugar swings stop. You need protein and nutrients, but you don’t need hardly any carbs until the weight comes off. You decide when to stop.

Awesome. Thank you. I will report back to you on my progress later (if you want).

Ishii