Sushi - a healthy fat

The Harvard Medical School report adds weight to the growing evidence about polyunsaturated fats, which can be found in some fish and vegetable oils.

These ‘good fats’ increase the levels of good cholesterol, where as saturated fats – found in meat and butter raise the levels of bad cholesterol, which block the arteries to the heart.

The team analysed findings from eight previous studies, covering more than 13,000 people in their research saying, cutting down on saturated fats was just one part of a healthy diet.

“Our finding suggest that polyunsaturated fats would be a preferred replacement for saturated fats for better heart health,” said, Lead researcher Dariush Mozaffarian.

The Harvard analysis suggested that for every 5% increase in polyunsaturated fat consumption there was a 10% fall in heart disease.

Victoria Taylor, from the British Heart Foundation, said the research reinforced existing recommendations to reduce saturated fats.

However she added: “What this study doesn’t consider is whether substitution with monounsaturated fats, such as olive and rapeseed oils, would have similar benefits so more research is needed to understand this area fully.

“While the fat content and profile of you diet is clearly important, it must be seen as just one part of a healthy diet where a low saturated fat and salt intake is combined with consumption of oily fish and at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.”

By Deepika Dudakia