Question

These results estimated that the replacement of 5% of energy from saturated fat in the diet with unsaturated fats would reduce the risk of heart disease by 42%, and that the replacement of 2% of energy from trans fat with unsaturated fats would reduce the risk by 53%.

Explain what these numbers mean.

a) Replacing 5% of saturated fat with unsaturated fats reduces heart disease risk by 42%.
b) Replacing 2% of trans fat with unsaturated fats reduces heart disease risk by 53%.
c) Both a and b are correct.
d) None of the above is correct.

Answer 1

The numbers indicate significant health benefits from replacing saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats in the diet. Specifically, doing so can reduce the risk of heart disease by 42% and 53%, respectively, demonstrating the importance of dietary choices in promoting heart health.

Step-by-step explanation:

The numbers provided in the student's question refer to the potential health benefits of replacing certain types of fats in the diet with unsaturated fats. Specifically:

• Replacing 5% of energy from saturated fat with unsaturated fats may reduce the risk of heart disease by 42%.
• Replacing 2% of energy from trans fat with unsaturated fats can reduce the risk of heart disease by 53%.

Saturated fats are commonly found in animal products and can increase the levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol in the blood, whereas unsaturated fats, like those found in vegetable oils and fish, can be beneficial to heart health. Trans fats, which are found in some processed foods, increase LDL cholesterol and lower HDL ("good") cholesterol, and are considered even more detrimental to heart health than saturated fats.

Hence, the correct answer is (c) Both a and b are correct. This demonstrates the significant potential health benefits of replacing unhealthy fats with healthier unsaturated fats in our diet.