Question

Why do we prefer unsaturated fatty acids in our diet?

Answer 1

Researchers have studied the effects of saturated and unsaturated fat on the human body for decades.

Observational studies showed that people with heart disease or those at risk of heart problems had higher amounts of saturated fats in their diet.

This association fueled further research showing that saturated fats may increase levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL). Consuming too much LDL cholesterol may increase a person's risk of heart disease.

In contrast, the health benefits of unsaturated fats are well-established. The first evidence of their "heart-healthful" properties dates back to the 1960s, when people from Greece and other Mediterranean regions were found to have a low rate of heart disease despite consuming a high-fat diet.

Unsaturated fats help lower a person's levels of LDL cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and build stronger cell membranes in the body.