The small amounts of saturated fat found in chicken can accumulate over time if not monitored. (BongkarnThanyakij/Getty Images)
- A recent study by American researchers revealed that some foods contain low levels of saturated fat, which can accumulate in our diets if not adequately monitored.
- While the list of foods found to be high in saturated fats are common culprits, others are often overlooked.
- While these foods have lower levels of saturated fat, consuming them frequently over time can contribute to a high level of saturated fat in our diets overall.
When it comes to unhealthy foods, everyone knows sodas, sweets, and those yummy fries from their favourite restaurant are no-gos. Because so much emphasis is placed on alerting the general public about the dangers of these foods to our health, many other food culprits slip by unnoticed, sneakily adding sugars and saturated fats into our diets.
Researchers from the University of Arizona, Georgetown University, the University of Southern California, Los Angeles and Ohio State University joined forces to analyse data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included more than 36,000 American adults between 2005 and 2018.
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The study’s participants were asked to list everything they ate the previous two days and put the foods into 168 categories. Fifty-four food categories made up 90% of saturated fat intake. Saturated fat is a waxy substance found in the blood that is believed to increase cholesterol levels.
Pizza, cheese, and ice cream were among the top foods listed with high saturated fat, while omelettes, burritos and tacos also made the cut.
Also on the list are chicken breasts, eggs, and several low-fat or organic salad dressing brands, which many people will agree comes as a bit of a surprise since these foods are the first pick for many people looking to trim their waists and stay in shape.
According to the study, these foods contain small amounts of saturated fat and even sugars, which can contribute to an overall increase in saturated fat in our diets.
Dr Christopher Taylor, a registered dietitian and professor at Ohio State University, said:
“Chicken breast is promoted as a lower saturated fat food, but it still has a bit of saturated fat. It is helpful to know how foods with smaller amounts also slowly add saturated fat in a stealthy way into the diet.”
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