Current dietary advice says foods containing high levels of saturated fats such as cream, butter, red meat, eggs and cheese should be avoided because they increase the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer. But a study published in a leading medical journal has found the opposite is true, with a diet full of natural fats improving the health of people taking part. Professor Sherif Sultan, a heart specialist from the University of Ireland, said: “We urgently need to overturn current dietary guidelines.

GETTY New dietary research overturned previously accepted wisdom

"People should not be eating high carbohydrate diets as they have been told over the past decade.

Our diets should be largely based on good quality high-fat foods Professor Sherif Sultan

“Instead our diets should be largely based on good quality high-fat foods. This will prevent the rising epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and reverse the growing numbers of people suffering weight-related heart problems.” The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found overweight middle-aged men who ate high levels of saturated fat and low levels of carbohydrate became slimmer and healthier. Researchers also saw reduced blood pressure and glucose levels, which are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer, in the patients.

Diet plans explained Thu, November 23, 2017 Diet plans for weight loss: From Atkins to Paleo. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 18 Paleo, Durkin & Atkins, the most popular diets explained

GETTY Diets based on good quality high-fat foods could prevent the rising epidemic of Type 2 diabetes

The people in the study were given unprocessed fats from natural sources, including butter, cream and cheese, along with coconut oil. Scientists believe these are “good fats” that absorb well in the body. They did not include manufactured fats such as margarine, highly refined oils and trans-fats used in processed foods. Experts say refined carbohydrates turn into sugar in our bodies, causing a spike in the energy storage hormone insulin, leading to fat accumulation in the cells.

Professor Sultan said: “High carbohydrate diets and refined sugars, both are the critical mass in cardiovascular deaths and a major disaster for the 21st century.” Dr Simon Dankel, associate professor at the University of Bergen in Norway, which carried out the study, said: “There is a tremendous focus on avoiding high-fat foods for weight control but this study challenges the notion that saturated fats have a strongly negative impact on health and weight. “The men on a high fat diet not only lost weight but also became slimmer and had lower cholesterol levels.” However, the researchers said it is very important to make a distinction between types of fat.

GETTY People in the study were given unprocessed fats from natural sources, including cheese

Diet plans explained Thu, November 23, 2017 Diet plans for weight loss: From Atkins to Paleo. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 18 Paleo, Durkin & Atkins, the most popular diets explained

GETTY Men on a high fat diet not only lost weight but also became slimmer and had lower cholesterol levels