Saturated fat - what's the truth?
Despite all the stories in the media suggesting maybe saturated fat isn't bad for you after all, you can't afford to reach for the deep fat fryer. The story that fat was fine for your heart came about because of a study that followed a big group of men who'd had a heart attack. Over the next few years, they either followed a high-fat or a low-fat diet, and the low-fat diet didn't cut their death rate.
But in fact, they probably swapped fat for sugar and refined carbohydrates (white bread etc). More detailed studies have shown than sugar and refined carbohydrates are just as bad for your heart as animal fats. The real benefits come if you cut both animal fat and sugar levels in your diet. A Mediterranean diet, with lots of fruit/veg/fish/nuts/unrefined carbohydrates (wholemeal or wholegrain foods, beans and pulses), and less meat and animal fat really can protect your heart.
Regular aerobic exercise is great for your heart in its own right - walking, dancing, cycling, yoga and swimming all count as long as they make you mildly out of puff. But it also helps you lose weight - and that will cut your blood pressure and cholesterol too, as well as relieving strain on your heart. What's more, it's a great remedy for stress - and keeping your stress levels down can protect your heart too.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Patient Platform Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.