Fat and fiction

Probably not, according to TV health guru Liz Earle.

She has joined forces with Flora after a new survey revealed that many people are ignorant about the dangers and potential benefits of different types of fat

Britain's blood cholesterol levels are among the highest in Europe - and so is the risk of heart disease. But many people are still confused about how to reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diet and many have never had their blood cholesterol levels checked.

According to the survey, many people wrongly think that all fats are bad for them. But new research by the British Cardiac Society has proved that polyunsaturated fats, as part of a healthy diet, can help lower cholesterol levels.

The misunderstandings about fat prompted health and beauty expert Liz Earle to join forces with Flora to help dispel some of the myths.

She said: "There is a lot of misleading information about diet and health. So many people think that all fats are bad.

"The survey also revealed that people are confused when it comes to knowing which foods are fatty and which aren't.

A quarter of those questioned thought that a digestive biscuit contained more fat than a flapjack."

Liz has produced a booklet with Flora which aims to explain the facts.

"Generally all people have to know is to stay away from animal fats as much as they can and also read the labels on processed foods because there are a lot of hidden fats," she said.

"The fat intake of our diet should be 35 per cent but only 10 per cent of that should be the saturated fats.

"The good fats, or polyunsaturates, are found in things like Flora, oily fish and green leafy vegetables."

And it isn't just adults who should be watching their fat intake.

Children as young as nine have been found with fatty streaks in their blood.

For a free copy of the book and a Facts of Life T-shirt call the Flora hotline on 01787 884020.

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