According to nutrition science, we should consume less animal fat. It's possible that animal fat consumption accounts for thirteen of the top fifteen sources of cholesterol-raising fat Diets high in whole plant-based foods as well as low in animal fat seem to offer defense against several grave medical diseases. Eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seafood is regularly advised by dietary habits that are heart-healthy, such as the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet.
However, the latest research that was released on July 6 in the European Heart Journal advocates adding full-fat dairy products as a further category of foods to the diet if you want to lower the chance of heart attack and early death. The excessive quantities of saturated fat in full-fat dairy products, which have the potential to raise dangerous cholesterol levels, as well as the food's excessive calorie content, frequently serve to deter consumers from consuming it.
Particularly dangerous to the heart and arteries are saturated and trans fats. A diet that is healthy for the heart is lower in these unhealthy fats while including moderate levels of good fats. Omega-3 fats in particular, which include mono- and polyunsaturated fats, are beneficial for the heart.
How can whole fat animal diet be helpful?
Here are five conditions that some people have claimed could potentially benefit from a whole-fat animal diet, but please keep in mind that these claims might not be widely accepted within the medical community:
Epilepsy: The ketogenic diet, which is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, has been used as a treatment for epilepsy, particularly in cases where medication isn't effective. This diet may involve consuming higher amounts of fats from sources like animal products.
Metabolic Syndrome: Some proponents of low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets argue that such diets can help improve markers of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.
Neurological Disorders: Certain neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, have been studied in relation to dietary interventions, including higher fat intake. However, there's no conclusive evidence that a whole-fat animal diet can "cure" these conditions.
Type 2 Diabetes: Some low-carbohydrate diets, which may include higher fat intake, have been explored as a potential management strategy for type 2 diabetes. These diets could potentially influence blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.
Tips for healthy fat inclusion in your diet:
Try putting a fat check on your meals- It is important to have your nutrients in a balanced amount. Having an excess of any nutrient or very less of any nutrient, both the cases are not suitable for your body. Therefore it is necessary to have a balanced whole-fat animal diet and keep a check on what you consume and how much you consume.
Add healthy fats to your diet- According to a study, given that the majority of the fats are mono- and polyunsaturated, a heart-friendly diet may include up to 35% of its calories via fat. This amounts to a maximum of 78 grams of fat for a meal containing 2,000 calories. The omega-3 fat, which is becoming more well-known and is concentrated in fatty fish like salmon, is an exception to the rule that the majority of unsaturated fats originate in plant-based sources. Additionally, incorporate walnuts and ground flaxseeds, both of which are excellent vegetarian natural sources of omega-3 fat.
Reduce your dietary salt intake- Among the greatest things that may do for the heart is to reduce the amount of sodium you consume. Individuals suffering from hypertension may benefit from reducing sodium consumption by considerably lowering their blood pressure levels. Additionally, it may avoid or postpone the development of high blood pressure, which generally develops in individuals of old age who have normal levels of blood pressure. Whenever possible, stay away from the salt shaker and salty condiments such as sauces, pickles, relish capers, and olives. Be cautious of foods that are packaged or processed, which are one of the primary sources of salt. Consume food that has been tagged as "lower sodium," " decreased sodium," or "light in sodium."
Conclusion
The idea of a whole-fat animal diet being considered "good" for heart health contradicts conventional medical wisdom. The prevailing understanding in the medical community is that diets high in saturated and trans fats, often found in animal products, can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. These fats can raise levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol, which is associated with an elevated risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular issues.
However, it's important to note that the field of nutrition is complex and evolving. Research is ongoing, and there have been some controversial discussions around dietary guidelines, such as the role of saturated fats and their impact on heart health. Some proponents of alternative dietary approaches, like the ketogenic diet or certain variations of the paleolithic diet, suggest that consuming whole-fat animal products might not be as detrimental to heart health as previously believed.
Article by: Prachi Chauhan
Edited by: Bhagwat Jha