Atherosclerosis: are dairy products safe?

The role of lipids, particularly saturated fats, in the development of atherosclerosis and other heart diseases has been widely accepted. It is generally recommended that animal food products, namely, eggs, meat and dairy products, especially butter, butteroil, ghee, cheese, etc, which contain high levels of saturated fatty acids, should be minimized in the diet. The diet‐heart issue and the role of fats in the development of atherosclerosis are reviewed with emphasis on the need to explore other factors which significantly affect the circulation of blood. It is concluded that it is not the type of fat but the balance of dietary components that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.