Though it goes against everything we have been told, the latest research — soon to appear in the world’s most respected journal on nutrition — says there is no evidence that reducing our intake of saturated fat (the kind that’s highest in butter, cheese, and meat) helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.

The researchers, including a renowned professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, analyzed 21 studies that included almost 350,000 subjects with between five and 23 years of follow-up. They looked at saturated fat intake and risk of heart disease and stroke. Their conclusion was that “there is no significant evidence for concluding that dietary saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of CHD or CVD.” This landmark study is currently in press awaiting publication and can be found at the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition website.

Read more about why saturated fat may not be the problem and how higher carbohydrate diets may not be so good for your health or waistline. Or, find out about the foods you should be eating for heart health and more.