New study confirms heart health benefits of polyunsaturated fats

26/08/05 A new study gives the "thumbs up" to soft, trans fat-free margarines in terms of foods that can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

This particular study, similar to numerous studies published over the last few years, documents the benefits of soft, trans-free margarine in a heart- healthy diet. The new study is published in the British Medical Journal.  The researchers found that reduced risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) was more closely associated with an increased consumption of polyunsaturated fats (e.g., soft, trans fat-free margarines made from soybean and canola oil). In fact, an increase in polyunsaturated fat consumption is found to have a greater reduction in CHD risk than increased fruit intake or reduced smoking.

The research paper, co-authored by Walter Willett, M.D., chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, states, "The experience of Poland [the focus of this study] is consistent with epidemiological and clinical evidence indicating that mortality due to coronary heart disease can be reduced by partly replacing dietary saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats while maintaining a low intake of trans fatty acids."  The researchers also note, "Increased intakes of polyunsaturated fat also probably explain most of the major declines in coronary mortality in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia over several decades."

Earlier this year, soft and liquid margarine spreads were included as part of an overall healthful diet when the government's 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid food guidance system were issued.  For the first time, liquid oils and soft, trans fat-free soft margarine spreads were elevated in importance in that they "help meet essential fatty acid needs and also contribute toward Vitamin E needs" states the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report.

The totality of the research on dietary fats is one of the reasons the American Heart Association continues to confirm that lifestyle changes, including changes in diet, can help reduce risk for CHD, the number one killer of American males and females.