The intake of saturated and trans fats has been linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

However, a new study has revealed that these types of fats could also increase the risk of CVD mortality, highlighting the need for individuals to be more mindful of their dietary intake.

The Study

The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed the dietary intake of 63,412 women aged 50 to 79 who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) observational study.

The participants were followed up for an average of 18 years, during which time there were 7,326 deaths due to CVD.

After analyzing the data, the researchers found that those who consumed higher amounts of saturated and trans fats had a higher risk of mortality due to CVD.

Specifically, those who consumed the highest amounts of these fats had a 25-30% higher risk of CVD mortality compared to those who consumed the lowest amounts.

Saturated Fats

Saturated fats are typically found in animal products, such as dairy, meat, and eggs. They can also be found in some plant-based sources, such as coconut oil and palm oil.

Saturated fats have long been known to increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood, which can contribute to the development of CVD.

According to the American Heart Association, individuals should aim to consume no more than 5-6% of their daily calorie intake from saturated fats.

This equates to no more than 13 grams of saturated fat per day for an individual consuming a 2,000 calorie diet.

Trans Fats

Trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, are typically found in processed foods, such as fried foods, baked goods, and snack foods. They are also found naturally in small amounts in some animal products.

Similar to saturated fats, trans fats have been shown to increase LDL cholesterol levels and contribute to the development of CVD.

The World Health Organization recommends that individuals consume no more than 1% of their daily calorie intake from trans fats.

The Bottom Line

The findings of this study highlight the importance of individuals being mindful of their saturated and trans fat intake.

By reducing these types of fats in their diet, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of developing CVD, and also reduce their risk of mortality due to this condition.

Individuals should aim to consume a diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

These types of foods have been shown to have a beneficial effect on heart health and can help to replace foods that are high in saturated and trans fats.

Additionally, individuals should pay attention to food labels and choose products that are low in saturated and trans fats. Foods that are high in these types of fats include fatty cuts of meat, butter, cheese, and processed snack foods.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide further evidence of the link between saturated and trans fats and cardiovascular disease mortality.

By reducing the intake of these types of fats, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of developing CVD and improve their overall heart health.