Which fats don’t make you fat?
You can never have a completely fat-free diet. Eating too much fat is dangerous since there are chances of an increase in blood cholesterol, obesity and coronary heart disease. But eliminating fat altogether could lead to severe vitamin deficiency.
Fats are organic substances composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. At least I oz of fat is required on a daily basis to absorb fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E and K as well as beta carotene. Dietary sources of fats include fish oils, vegetables, and dairy products.
What’s the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids? Well,when the molecules hold the most amount of hydrogen, then the fat is saturated. Monounsaturated fats(olive oil and nuts) hold less hydrogen and polyunsaturated fats(oily fish, fish oils, vegetable oils) hold the least. Transfatty acids are a serious no-no and they are mostly obtained via processing.
The fats you should say no to are trans fats and saturated fats. Industrially processed fats usually contain transfatty acids and intake of too much of these can lead to coronary heart disease. Monounsaturated fats like olive oil and polyunsaturated fats like sunflower oil are much better substitutes.
November 1st, 2006 at 6:29 pm
Indeed you are right about fats, we definitely need some in our diet, just the good variety. Unfortunately transfats seem to turn up in the cheapest meals, so the poorer you are, the less healthy you’ll always tend to be.
November 1st, 2006 at 11:37 pm
Absolutely! Obesity comes cheap:)