Thursday, August 13, 2009

7 Facts of Fats

So often, we hear bad things about fats. Every one who wants to lose weight think about fats from the start. You would see fats as “the enemy”.

Excess fats need to be eliminated before you can lose weight. But to lose weight effectively, it is not just about getting rid of the fats. You need to understand what, in the first place, are fats doing in your body. You need to understand what types of fats are healthy, how much fats you need.

Here are 7 facts of fats that you need to know:

#1 – Plant based fats are generally healthier fats

There are many benefits that have been found to be associated with plant-based fats. It is believed that most of them have cancer-fighting abilities. Examples include extra-virgin olive oil, flax seed oil, and fats from plant sources such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and coconuts

#2 – Fats are a necessary part of your diet

You should not eliminate fat completely from your diet. There are important functions in your body that rely on fatty-acids and fat tissues. What you do need to do is to control the intake and control the type of fats you take.

#3 – Saturated fats are generally unhealthy fats

Saturated fats increase the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. Saturated fats are mostly found in red meats and whole milk diary products.

#4 – Nuts are healthy

Yes, nuts have very high fat content. However, these are the “healthy” fats and should be taken. Again, excessive intake is never good, no matter what foods you take. Nuts also have Vitamin E, zinc and are a good source of fibre.

#5 – Fish Fat is essential to your well being

Many people are not aware that the much touted “omega-3” is nothing more than the fatty acids found in fish. This is one of the very few food that have many benefits.

#6 – Low Fat diets are not essential for you to lose weight

It is quite ironic. But low fat diets are usually over loaded with sugars and other refined carbohydrates. They may actually lead to higher calorie in-take and defeat the purpose of dieting in the first place. Fat is filling and help to control your food intake.

#7 – Trans-fat is not inert

Of all the fats, trans fat is likely the most horrendous of them all. It is actually normal fats deformed and twisted by a process known as hydrogenation. If you do not have enough healthy fat intake, your body will resort to using the trans fat that it finds. That could lead to some really bad problems like cancer and heart disease.

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