Dietary Fats Impact Heart and Metabolic Health

In 2025, Éva Szabó from the University of Pécs reviewed 8 studies on how dietary fats affect health. Using trials and meta-analyses, they explored saturated fats, trans fats, and omega-3s, focusing on obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and gut health in humans and animals.

High saturated fats and industrial trans fats raised heart disease risk by 20-30%, worsened gut bacteria, and increased inflammation. Coconut oil’s medium-chain SFAs boosted HDL cholesterol by 10% without harming lipids. Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) cut triglycerides by 15% but didn’t always prevent heart events.

Balance fats: favor omega-3s from fish and limit processed fats for better health.