Nutrition and Fats
A low fat diet was once hailed to be the perfect route to a slim figure and a healthy heart. Now, more and more, we are learning the total amount of fat you consume, whether high or low, isn't really linked with disease and/or weight loss. What really matters is the type of fat you eat. In fact, since the early seventies, Americans fat consumption has dropped from an average of 45 percent of the diet to 33 percent but the incident of heart disease hasn’t fallen. In addition, the number of medical procedures for heart disease increased from 1.2 million in 1979 to 5.4 million in 1996. Obesity rates have soared as well along with obesity-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes. Now, more and more studies are suggesting low fat may not necessarily be the way to go.
Fat is a major source of energy for our bodies. Both animal and plant food products contain fat and the consumption of these foods is important for proper growth, development and maintenance of good health. Like carbohydrates however, not all fats are created equal. Unsaturated fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, which derive mostly from plant products, are called the good fats because they can improve cholesterol levels and can assist in reducing heart disease.
On the other hand, saturated fats, found mainly in animal products, have been found to raise LDL cholesterol levels (the bad cholesterol) as well as raising HDL cholesterol levels (the good cholesterol). The FreedomFit program chooses these foods wisely, incorporating the proper balance to promote good health.
Trans fat was developed by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil, a process called hydrogenation, to increase shelf life. As a result, trans fatty acids are formed. Trans fats can be found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, and other foods made with partially hydrogenated oils. Unlike saturated fat, which raises HDL (good) cholesterol levels in addition to raising LDL cholesterol, trans fat raises the bad cholesterol and lowers the good. Furthermore, for every extra 2 percent of calories from trans fat daily—about the amount in a medium order of fast-food French fries—the risk of coronary heart disease increases by 23 percent.
Understanding the effects of fat and oil in our diet is vital to achieving weight loss and healthy living. Recognizing and avoiding foods high in saturated fat and trans fat will greatly lower your health risk. Let us help you. Learn more about these foods; Join FreedomFit today!