EN
Effects of dietary fat on the incidence of major civilization diseases, e.g. Obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancers were presented. It was emphasised that the absolute amount of fat consumed is less important than is the type of fat, i.e. relative share of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. Health-related beneficial effects of MUFA and PUFA were underlined, including the importance of the ratio of n-6: n-3 PUFA. Major health-related effects of PUF A and also CLA (mainly resulting from animal studies) were described. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of PUFA and CLA action, anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds were analysed. Moreover, the prevention of chronic inflammation by PUFA and CLA was considered tobe the major mechanism of their anti-atherogenic and anti-carcinogenic effects. Finally, the current nutritional guidelines related to fat and PUFA consumption were summarized.