Cardiologist slams ‘incorrect’ advice from the World Health Organization
Dr Aseem Malhotra thebritishherald
The World Health Organization has faced fierce backlash after telling people to replace butter and lard with ‘healthier’ oils in the New Year.
A leading cardiologist today said he was ‘shocked and disturbed’ by the advice, which the UN agency listed as a tip to prolong people’s lives.
Butter has been demonised for decades over its saturated fat content – but an array of evidence is beginning to prove it can be healthy.
Dr Aseem Malhotra, an NHS consultant cardiologist, has now called on the WHO to review and update its guidance ‘as a matter of urgency’.
Dr Malhotra pointed to studies which have linked heating up vegetable oils to a group of chemicals associated with cancer, heart disease and dementia.
Research in 2015 found heating the oils produces levels of aldehydes far higher than the WHO’s own recommended safe levels.
But the organisation now suggests using these oils instead of butter or animal fat, which tests have shown produce fewer chemicals but are linked to heart disease.
Dr Malhotra added: ‘Conversely, natural fats found in nutritious foods such as butter, full-fat yoghurt and cheese can be very much part of a healthy diet.
‘I call on the WHO to review the evidence and update their guidance [on telling people to avoid butter and lard] as a matter of urgency.’
Dr Malhotra instead urged the WHO to focus on encouraging people to avoid consuming too much food that is ultra-processed.
The WHO published its ‘Five tips for a healthy diet this New Year’
