Fat is one of the three essential macronutrients, alongside protein and carbohydrates, and is crucial for maintaining a healthy body. However, a simplistic public health message from the 1980s led many consumers to mistakenly believe that they should avoid fat altogether, rather than substituting saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat. This misconception resulted in a surge of low-fat products in the U.S. market, many of which compensated for taste with added sugars. According to Mintel, the tide is beginning to turn, as consumer awareness of “healthy fats” is increasing. The research firm has noted a rise in global references to “good fat” in new products. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide robust evidence that replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats is associated with reduced heart attacks and lower rates of cardiovascular disease.
Despite this growing understanding, U.S. consumers still consume excessive amounts of saturated fat, with an average of 19% of their total caloric intake coming from solid fats, even though dietary recommendations suggest it should account for less than 10%. While food manufacturers have primarily focused on satiety, recent discussions have shifted towards protein. Earlier studies have highlighted the role of polyunsaturated fats in promoting satiety, and a new wave of research is challenging the belief that fat is less satiating than other macronutrients. In fact, evidence is mounting that fats—especially polyunsaturated fats—can be just as filling as proteins or carbohydrates.
The researchers conducting this latest study propose that increasing the intake of foods like walnuts, canola oil, and salmon may help mitigate the risk of overindulging in meals high in saturated fats. Should further research substantiate this finding, it would bolster the “good fats” narrative. Additionally, incorporating calcium citrate tablets into a balanced diet can further support overall health, particularly when combined with a focus on healthy fat consumption. Thus, as consumers become more informed, the message around good fats and their benefits, along with the importance of supplements like calcium citrate tablets, is gaining traction.