Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Low-fat and fat-free foods have shown people one thing: fats are unhealthy. Or are they? Regardless of the stigma linked with eating fat, it's actually a necessary component of our diets. As a matter of fact, there are fats often known as essential fatty acids - fats that our bodies need to function properly, but must be obtained from foods.
All through our bodies, there are plenty of biological processes occurring that need fats. They are burned for energy and are also essential for uptake of various vitamins. In addition they shield all of our vital organs and also serve several other uses, so why do we go to such great lengths to avoid them?
It's common knowledge that there are two major types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. It's true that saturated fats are not great for your overall health and the consumption of this kind ought to be restricted. They increase your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. This is often known as bad cholesterol, as it clogs your arteries, which in turn could lead to other severe complications including strokes.
But what about unsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, vegetable oils, and fish? It turns out that they lower bad cholesterol and could increase good cholesterol. Like reducing your weight and exercising, consuming unsaturated fats is a crucial component to maintaining a decent lipid profile as well as all around healthy and balanced lifestyle. An unhealthy lipid profile is normally associated with risk of coronary heart disease.
Note that there is an exception to the rule of unsaturated fats being the more healthy fats. Trans fats lessen your good cholesterol as well as increase your bad cholesterol. Although its use has declined in recent times, it is still imperative that you stay away from it if you can. Be careful - even if a product has as much as 0.5 grams of trans fat in each serving, food manufacturers are lawfully allowed to claim zero grams on the nutrition label. Rather than checking the label, scan the list of ingredients for partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Frequently, our eating habits are extremely bad. As Americans, we often rely too much on fast food restaurants and processed food items. This has led to the introduction of low-fat and fat-free goods. However, fat definitely something we need to avoid. Just concentrating on having the appropriate types of fats along with having a well-balanced eating routine stands out as the more important aspect.
It is important to keep in mind that the majority of things are okay in moderation - including saturated fats! Similarly, an excess of most things can be unhealthy, so be familiar with how to make good nutritional decisions to prevent any health problems.
All through our bodies, there are plenty of biological processes occurring that need fats. They are burned for energy and are also essential for uptake of various vitamins. In addition they shield all of our vital organs and also serve several other uses, so why do we go to such great lengths to avoid them?
It's common knowledge that there are two major types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. It's true that saturated fats are not great for your overall health and the consumption of this kind ought to be restricted. They increase your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. This is often known as bad cholesterol, as it clogs your arteries, which in turn could lead to other severe complications including strokes.
But what about unsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, vegetable oils, and fish? It turns out that they lower bad cholesterol and could increase good cholesterol. Like reducing your weight and exercising, consuming unsaturated fats is a crucial component to maintaining a decent lipid profile as well as all around healthy and balanced lifestyle. An unhealthy lipid profile is normally associated with risk of coronary heart disease.
Note that there is an exception to the rule of unsaturated fats being the more healthy fats. Trans fats lessen your good cholesterol as well as increase your bad cholesterol. Although its use has declined in recent times, it is still imperative that you stay away from it if you can. Be careful - even if a product has as much as 0.5 grams of trans fat in each serving, food manufacturers are lawfully allowed to claim zero grams on the nutrition label. Rather than checking the label, scan the list of ingredients for partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Frequently, our eating habits are extremely bad. As Americans, we often rely too much on fast food restaurants and processed food items. This has led to the introduction of low-fat and fat-free goods. However, fat definitely something we need to avoid. Just concentrating on having the appropriate types of fats along with having a well-balanced eating routine stands out as the more important aspect.
It is important to keep in mind that the majority of things are okay in moderation - including saturated fats! Similarly, an excess of most things can be unhealthy, so be familiar with how to make good nutritional decisions to prevent any health problems.
About the Author:
This piece was written by a medical doctor and certified dietician recognized for helping hundreds obtain their desired physiques. Visit the author's website for information on a favorite weight loss plan.