Fat vs. carbs. For many years the mantra of heart-health experts was to "reduce saturated fat." But new research suggests that reducing saturated fat by itself is less positive for heart-health than replacing saturated fat with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as liquid vegetable oil. A little olive oil on toast, for example, is a better choice for your heart than butter.

This study also examined the results of replacing saturated fats with carbohydrates. It found that when refined carbohydrates such as baked potatoes and white bread replaced saturated fat, heart disease risk became significantly higher. However, when saturated fat was replaced by complex carbohydrates - whole grains, fruits and vegetables, for example - heart disease risk was lower.

The bottom line: diets high in either saturated fat or refined carbohydrates are not suitable for heart-disease prevention. Says Dr. Frank Hu of the Harvard School of Public Health, "Refined carbohydrates are likely to cause even greater metabolic damage than saturated fat, especially in a predominantly sedentary and overweight population" So, if you are reducing saturated fat for your cholesterol, be sure to replace it with healthy oils and complex carbohydrates.

1 | Left by Anon | Aug. 18, 2010 at 3:50pm