We all know that what we eat can have a big impact on our health, but did you know that the type of fat in your food can make a big difference? A recent study(1) looked at how different types of fat affect the amount of fat that builds up in the liver, a condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition can lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The study involved overfeeding 38 overweight subjects with an extra 1,000 calories a day of either saturated fat, unsaturated fat, or simple sugars for three weeks. The researchers found that the type of fat in the diet had a significant effect on the amount of fat that built up in the liver.
The study showed that consuming saturated fat led to a 55% increase in intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content, compared to a 15% increase when consuming unsaturated fat. IHTG is a type of fat that builds up in the liver and can lead to NAFLD. Additionally, consuming simple sugars increased IHTG by 33%.
The study also found that the type of fat consumed affected how the body processed fat. Saturated fat increased lipolysis, the process by which the body breaks down fat, while unsaturated fat decreased it. The study also found that consuming saturated fat led to insulin resistance, endotoxemia, and harmful ceramides, which can lead to an increased risk of diabetes.
So why haven't we replaced unsaturated and monounsaturated fats in Energy Pods with saturated fats? The answer is simple: the saturated fats would be unhealthier, especially in the context of a modern obesogenic diet. By sticking with unsaturated and monounsaturated fats, Energy Pods aim to provide a healthy source of energy that doesn't increase the risk of NAFLD or other health issues.
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