While, a bad rap has been given to saturated fat found mainly in meat and dairy products, a fresh analysis of previous studies has failed to find any clear link between intake of saturated fat and a risk of developing heart disease.

Since, research has shown blood levels of LDL i.e. bad cholesterol rise due to saturated fat, and elevated levels of LDL are a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, experts have generally advised a limited intake of fatty meat, full-fat dairy and butter.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) no more than 7% of adults daily calories are obtained from the fat; which translates into fewer than 16 grammes of saturated fat per day for someone eating 2,000 calories a day.

However, the new analysis combining the results of 21 previous studies found no clear evidence of higher saturated fat intakes leading to higher heart disease or stroke risks.

The study findings have been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, but steak lovers should not over-interpret the good news, as many other studies have shown saturated fat in the diet raises cholesterol levels, and it is prudent to keep saturated fat intake in check.

The Western diet rich in red and processed meats and saturated fats, including high in sweets and refined carbohydrates like white bread carries greater heart disease risks.

While, Mediterranean diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, unsaturated fats from vegetable oil lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, an eating pattern people should strive for.

Consumption of polyunsaturated fats in place of saturated ones has also been found in other studies to lower the risk of heart disease.