Researchers have found that not all saturated fats can be associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Some foods high in saturated fats, such as dairy products, can actually lower the risk of diabetes.
The study led by Dr Nita Forouhi involved 340,234 adults across eight European countries. Using blood analysis, the researchers looked at each of the nine fatty acids found in the participants’ blood samples. The researchers then compared those who developed diabetes (12,403 participants) over the next 16 years to the participants who did not.
The researchers found the fatty acids with an odd number of carbon atoms in their chain were associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Saturated fats have long being considered detrimental to health, however the relationship may be more complex than previously thought.
Read more at University of Cambridge