Staying Healthy
Conquer your fear of dietary fat
Here’s why you need more fat (the right kind) in your diet — not less.
For decades, the message was loud and clear: high intake of fat causes weight gain, heart disease, and maybe even cancer. The solution? Go low-fat. Unfortunately, that often meant consuming more carbs and more sugar.
Today, that advice is considered misguided. Nutritionists now suggest people actually need adequate amounts of fat for optimal health — but only the right kind.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.