The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) was warned against the overconsumption of fats, citing WHO figures to say that chronic diseases, often caused by such behavior, account for approximately 73 percent of the total deaths in Saudi Arabia.
It, however, did recognize that fat is indeed a rich source of energy, and one of the main nutrients that the body uses for growth and performing vital functions.
The authority has also issued a guide on fats, explaining what they are, their benefits to the human body, their sources and types, the difference between saturated, unsaturated and trans fats, and the recommended amount for each, official sources have said.
The SFDA indicated that saturated fats are mainly found in animal-source foods such as dairy and its products, red meat, chicken skin, and butter.
The frequent consumption of this type of fat is linked to a high level of cholesterol in the body and an increase in risk of cardiovascular disease.
SFDA recommended, through the guide, to choose low-fat cuts of meat, such as white meat, fat-free red meat, and low-fat dairy products.
It also recommended that the individual’s consumption of saturated fat should not exceed 10 percent of the total daily calories (average 2,000 calories a day). A man’s consumption of it should not exceed 30 grams, and a woman’s consumption of it should not exceed than 20 grams of saturated fat per day.
The SFDA also indicated that unsaturated fats are one of the sources of beneficial fats that help lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, as they work to reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and raise the rate of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), thus reducing the rate of heart disease.
The consumption of this type of fat should be balanced and not excessive, given the association of high obesity in general with a high consumption of fat.
Unsaturated fats are mainly found in vegetable and fish sources such as olive oil, pumpkin seeds, nuts, canola, salmon, and sardines.