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 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'.
Talking to MailOnline he said: 'I'm frankly both shocked and disturbed that the WHO are giving incorrect and non-evidence based advice on fat. In my view, asking people to replace butter or lard with industrial seed oils such as corn, sunflower, soybean or safflower will continue to cause harm to public health. These oils, being particularly high in omega 6 fatty acids, are pro-inflammatory and can be toxic when heated for common frying purposes.'
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.
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' last week. It is currently the first story featured on its homepage. The article also tells people to eat a variety of food and cut back on salt, limit sugar intake and avoid drinking too much alcohol.
Under its tip on swapping out certain fats, it said: 'We all need some fat in our diet, but eating too much – especially the wrong kinds – increases risks of obesity, heart disease and stroke.
'Replace butter, lard and ghee with healthier oils such as soybean, canola (rapeseed), corn, safflower and sunflower.'
