Today, fat is almost a taboo word. The truth is, fats are essential for our survival and for us to maintain an optimal health state. What we should be concerned with is which fats are important and how much fat is necessary.
Fats are organic compounds which have fatty acids, carbon, hydrogen, and carboxylic acid. Fats are important for us because they perform the following functions within our body:
1. Production of blood lipids
2. Production of cell membranes
3. Essential in the production of bile (the fat emulsifier)
4. Necessary for energy production (in combination with glucose)
5. Helps produce Vitamin D for calcium metabolism
6. Triggers the release of mild levels of body steroids
7. Helps in the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E, and K
8. Helps save our internal organs from damage from external physical shocks
9. Provides healthy skin and hair
10. Help maintain body temperature.
Fat is necessary for survival. Diets without fat cause several body and organ malfunctions. Here is what you could be risking if you tune into extreme diets:
1. Erratic (alternating between very low and close to normal) blood pressure
2. Continued blood flow from injuries
3. Severe constipation
4. Immune system malfunction
So, what are the types of fats you should aim to include in your diet everyday and how much of it is okay?
Fat Type Good/Bad Acceptable Qt Source
Mono Unsat. Good 15 gms Olive oil, avocados, nuts,
canola, peanut oil,
sunflower, safflower oils,
wholegrain
Poly Unsat. Good 20 gms Salmon, tuna, sardines,
walnuts, flaxseed oil
Sat. Fat Bad <15 gms a day Red meat, whole milk,lard,
cheese, ice cream, butter,
coconut and palm oil etc
Trans Fat Bad <1% energy req processed foods, cake mix,
margarine,soup, cookies.
donuts, pound cakes etc
Mamta Singh is a published author, entrepreneur and a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. Mamta runs her own popular blog on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Masters Degree in Commerce and Business, and is presently enrolled as a student of Holistic Healing Therapy from the U.K. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com