Nothing to fear in good fats

EATING a diet high in “healthy fats” appears to be protective against weight gain, new Australian research has found.

Deakin University researchers say their findings show fats need a rethink, as it is not the amount of fat, but the type eaten, that is important for health.

Researchers from the university’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition followed more than 16,000 adults for six years, finding that those who ate the same amount of kilojoules but consumed more “unhealthy fats” – such as processed meats, deep fried foods and high fat cheese – were 24 per cent more likely to become obese over that time.

Lead researcher and PhD student Barbara Brayner said their findings added to the growing evidence that a diet high in unsaturated fats, such as nuts, seeds, avocado, fish and vegetable oils, offered protection against many chronic diseases.

“I would really like people to stop demonising foods in isolation and not be scared about gaining weight by incorporating healthy fats into their diet,” Ms Brayner said.