Chinese Scientists Challenge Harm of Animal Fats When Consumed in Moderation

Hunan: A study conducted by Chinese researchers from Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU) and South University has shown that a diet containing a moderate amount of fat reduces fat accumulation and inflammation in adipose tissue. According to Oman News Agency, the scientists confirmed that consuming fat within the recommended proportion, estimated at 25 percent of total dietary energy intake, improves metabolism by regulating the balance of adipose tissue. By contrast, the researchers noted that a traditional diet rich in meat and animal fats is associated with lower rates of obesity and diabetes compared with a plant-based diet. The experiments, conducted on mice over 24 weeks, involved diets in which 25 percent of calories came from fat. The results showed that animal fat reduced fat accumulation more effectively than vegetable oils, due to increased levels of taurocholic acid, which enhances fat absorption and reduces inflammatory processes. The study also found that animal fat is rich in beneficial fat ty acids that increase insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. However, the researchers stressed that this does not negate the harmful effects of excessive fat consumption, as demonstrated by a separate study on mice published in August last year by Vietnamese scientists.