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Natural Health News Articles
| Posted: 7th August 2004 |
| Fats |
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Although much attention is focused on the need to reduce dietary fats, the body does need fatThroughout life fat is essential to provide energy and support growthFat is in fact the most concentrated source of energy available to the bodyHowever, after two years of age the body requires only small amounts of fat – much less than is provided by the average Western dietExcessive fat intake is a major cause of obesity, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and colon cancer and has been linked to a number of other disorders.
Fats are composed of building blocks called fatty acidsThere are three major categories of fatty acids – saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturatedThese classifications are based on the number of hydrogen atoms in the chemical structure of a given molecule of fatty acid.
Saturated fatty acids re found primarily in animal products, including diary items such as whole milk, cream and cheese and fatty meats like beef, veal, lamb pork and hamSome vegetable products such as coconut oil are also high in saturates.
The liver uses saturated fats to manufacture cholesterolTherefore excessive intake of saturated fats can significantly raise the blood LDL (low-density lipoproteins, or ‘bad cholesterol’) cholesterol level.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in greatest abundance in corn, soybean, safflower and sunflower oilsCertain fish oils are also high in polyunsaturatesUnlike the saturated fats, polyunsaturates may actually lower your total blood cholesterol levelUnfortunately this includes the blood HDL (high-density lipoproteins, or ‘good’ cholesterol)They are also high in calories for their weight and volume and so should be ingested in moderation.
Monounsaturated fatty acids are fond mostly in vegetable and nut oils, such as olive and peanutThese fats appear to reduce blood levels of LDLs without affecting HDLs in any way
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