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is saturated fat bad
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Nutrition & Diet
Question #19970
57 days ago
152

is saturated fat bad - #19970

Mira

I am really confused about this whole saturated fat thing. Like, it feels like one day it's okay and the next it's totally not! Last week, my doctor mentioned I need to lower my cholesterol and said is saturated fat bad? But I've always thought it was fine in moderation, right? I mean, I love my steaks and butter, but then I found this article saying saturated fat is bad and can lead to heart issues. Ugh, I don’t know what to trust anymore. Two weeks ago, I had bloodwork done, and my LDL was higher than normal, but my HDL was good. Should I start freaking out? I tried to switch to olive oil and eat more avocados, but I honestly just miss cheese and burgers! I read that is saturated fat bad for everyone or just certain people? Would it help if I exercised more or is diet the main thing? My friend said they went keto and felt great, but all those high saturated fat foods make me nervous since I tend to have a family history of heart disease. What do you think? Should I keep eating my beloved foods or find a way to cut back on saturated fat? Feeling lost here, appreciate any advice!

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Doctors' responses

Navigating the saturated fat debate can be quite confusing, especially when there’s a lot of conflicting information out there. Let’s break it down. Saturated fat is naturally found in a variety of foods like red meat, butter, cheese, and other full-fat dairy products. It can raise your LDL cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, HDL is the “good” cholesterol, so having high levels of HDL can actually be protective. This is why your doctor likely suggested lowering your saturated fat intake to help manage your cholesterol levels. With a family history of heart disease, it’s generally prudent to exercise caution and pursue a heart-healthy diet. Switching to sources of monounsaturated fats, like olive oil and avocados, can help balance your cholesterol levels. They’re better for heart health, providing benefits without the risks associated with saturated fats. Moderate exercise can also contribute substantially to improving your lipid profile by raising HDL levels and possibly lowering LDL. While some people do report success with higher fat diets like keto, they are not suitable for everyone, especially those with conditions influenced by dietary fat. Given your concerns and family history, working with a dietitian might be beneficial to develop a personalized eating plan that aligns with your health goals while still enjoying your favorite foods in moderation. Reducing saturated fat doesn’t necessarily mean you must eliminate foods you love; instead, think about adjusting portion sizes or frequency. Ultimately, emphasizing a balanced diet that’s low in saturated fats and rich in a variety of nutrients is a thoughtful choice for managing cholesterol and reducing heart disease risk.

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