The debate over the world’s most unhealthy diet is a contentious one, but there is no denying that some countries consume more fat than others. According to a 2010 study published in the journal PLoS Medicine, the global average of saturated fat consumption was 9.4%. However, country-specific intakes varied dramatically, ranging from 2.3% to 27.5%.
The countries with the highest consumption of saturated fat in adults in 2010 were Samoa, Kiribati, and other palm oil producing island nations, as well as Sri Lanka, Romania, and Malaysia. In Samoa, for example, saturated fat intake was 27.5%, while in Romania it was 25.3%.
The high levels of saturated fat consumption in these countries is likely due to the prevalence of palm oil in their diets. Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree, and is high in saturated fat. It is widely used in cooking and baking, and is a popular ingredient in many processed foods.
The high levels of saturated fat consumption in these countries can have serious health implications. Eating too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. It can also lead to weight gain, as saturated fat is high in calories.
In order to reduce saturated fat intake, it is important to choose healthier cooking oils, such as olive oil or canola oil. It is also important to limit the amount of processed foods in the diet, as these often contain high levels of saturated fat. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also help to reduce saturated fat intake.
In conclusion, the countries with the highest consumption of saturated fat in adults in 2010 were Samoa, Kiribati, and other palm oil producing island nations, as well as Sri Lanka, Romania, and Malaysia. Eating too much saturated fat can have serious health implications, so it is important to choose healthier cooking oils and limit the amount of processed foods in the diet.