- Daily pastry could elevate risk of heart issues
- Researchers caution that the type of fat is more crucial than the quantity
- Longer studies necessary to confirm findings
Consuming a buttery pastry, such as a croissant, every day could “silently” elevate the risk of severe heart issues, according to recent research.
A study conducted by Oxford University observed volunteers who followed a diet rich in saturated fats, which included items like croissants, cakes, and sausages.
Another group of participants was instructed to consume healthier fats, sourced from foods like salmon and nuts.
After 24 days, participants who consumed the high-fat diet underwent MRI scans and blood tests.
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Interestingly, neither group experienced significant weight gain. However, those on the diet high in saturated fats saw their cholesterol levels rise by an average of 10 per cent.
Additionally, there was a 20% increase in the amount of fat stored in the liver, a factor that raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Conversely, the group consuming healthier fats experienced a 10 per cent reduction in their cholesterol levels during the same period.
Lead researcher Nikola Srnic, from Oxford University, remarked: “It’s the type of fat, not the amount of fat, that’s important.
“It’s remarkable to see such a change occur so quickly, within just three weeks.
“For those on diets higher in saturated fat, we encouraged increased consumption of butter, full-fat dairy products, cakes, and pastries.
“The polyunsaturated fat diet included fats from fish, certain vegetable oils, and specific nuts and seeds.”
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He further explained: “The findings indicate that a diet rich in saturated fat could negatively influence cardiovascular risk factors, even in the absence of weight gain.
Professor James Leiper, the Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, commented: “This study provides evidence that saturated fat could begin to pose a risk to heart health very quickly, even without causing any changes to a person’s weight.
“Longer studies with a larger number of participants are necessary to confirm these findings and determine whether these short-term changes could increase the long-term risk of serious heart conditions.”
