Why is polyunsaturated fat more healthy than saturated fat?

Answer 1

To be sure, the American Heart Association, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the United States Department of Agriculture all SAY that saturated fats are a health hazard and should be replaced with polyunsaturated fats to achieve protection from heart attack(1). This position has always been controversial, although you wouldn't know it from routine press coverage(2).

Historically, the edible oils industry has wielded considerable influence in government and academia. When the idea of a link between saturated fat intake and clogged arteries was first proposed more than five decades ago, the edible oils industry responded with behind-the-scenes political machinations that eventually resulted in widespread anti-saturated fat sentiment(3). However, anyone who bothers to review the research will learn that the alleged connection between saturated fat intake and heart disease is not based on sound scientific analysis(4). The controversy likely would have been resolved decades ago had the federal government not ended scientific debate by declaring saturated fats a health hazard(5).

Where fats are concerned, the actual hazard appears to be omega-6 industrial seed oils(6). Globally, omega-6s correlate with increases in Diabetes, obesity, noncommunicable diseases, and depression(7). In developed countries saturated fat consumption has declined slightly. Meanwhile, the public is routinely admonished to reduce saturated fat intake to lower LDL cholesterol(8). Moreover, the American Heart Association recommends total cholesterol be lowered below 200(9). Is this a good idea? Probably not. When total cholesterol is plotted against all cause mortality, the lowest Death Rate lies in the 200 to 240 range(10). Research indicates that while low LDL correlates with increased cancer mortality(11), higher LDL seems to furnish benefits to seniors engaged in strength training(12).

So are saturated fats unhealthy? Australian mom Christine Cronau says no and feeds her family accordingly(13). Is it healthy to consume lots of polyunsaturated fats? Researcher Raymond Peat says at today's high levels of consumption they are toxic(14).