Plants as the healthier source of unsaturated fats!
Epidemiological data on the heart health benefits of PUFA and the heart health risks of saturated fats (SAFA) are fairly consistent. However, the evidence on monounsaturated fats (MUFA) is less consistent. One possible explanation is that the food source plays a role. To explore the health benefits of a plant-based diet, consumption data from over 93,000 US health professionals was analysed by Zong et al.They found that replacing saturated fats, refined carbs or trans fat with MUFA from plant sources (such as vegetable oils and nuts), significantly reduces coronary heart disease risk, while replacement by MUFA from animal sources (e.g. meat and dairy) showed no benefit. An explanation for the lack of benefit for MUFA from animal sources might be that MUFA-rich foods from animal sources also contain considerable amounts of saturated fats. In contrast, plant foods often contain PUFA as well as MUFA.
So, for people who are increasingly looking for plant-based food options, plants are the healthier source of monounsaturated fats! Another good reason to opt for more plants in the diet!
https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/107/3/445/4939332?redirectedFrom=fulltext
