Good
fat and bad fat
Fat is not necessarily a bad thing. The human body needs fat
to function properly. Fat is an energy source, and is important in helping to
regulate blood pressure, heart rate, blood vessel constriction, blood clotting
and the nervous system.
However,
too much fat can have a negative impact on your health. Too much fat can
increase your risk of heart disease, high blood cholesterol, obesity, diabetes
and some kinds of cancer. Therefore it is important to understand the different
types of fat and how they affect the body.
Saturated fat - Can increase
your blood cholesterol levels and risk of coronary artery disease. Its found
in red meat, poultry, butter, whole milk, coconut, palm and other tropical
oils.
Trans fat - May raise
your blood cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. It is
found in baked goods, like crackers, cookies and cakes as well as doughnuts,
french fries, shortenings and some margarines.
Polyunsaturated fat - When used
instead of saturated fats can help lower blood cholesterol levels and may help
reduce the amount of cholesterol deposits on your arteries. Found in vegetable
oils such as safflower, corn, sunflower, soy and cottonseed oils, and fish.
Monounsaturated fat - Can lower
your risk of heart disease by reducing your blood cholesterol level. Also,
monounsaturated fat, unlike polyunsaturated fat, is more resistant to oxidation
a process that leads to cell and tissue damage in your body. Found in olive,
peanut and canola oils. Avocados and most nuts also have high amounts of
monounsaturated fat.
Cholesterol
Your body manufactures all of the cholesterol it needs, but you also get
cholesterol from eating foods derived from animal sources, such as meat,
poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, lard and butter. Cholesterol is vital
to the structure and function of all cells in your body, but it's also the main
substance in fatty deposits (plaques) that can develop in your arteries.
Plaques that build up can reduce blood flow, increasing your risk of heart
disease and stroke.
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not
meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other
medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for
diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any
medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or
suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care
provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.