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  • Fat

    Fats are indeed one of the three main macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and proteins, that are essential for the human diet. They are found in various food products such as milk, butter, tallow, lard, salt pork, and cooking oils.

    Fats serve several important functions in the body. They are a concentrated source of energy, providing more than twice the amount of energy per gram compared to carbohydrates and proteins. Fats are stored in adipose tissue and can be used as a fuel source when the body needs energy.

    Fats also have structural and metabolic functions. They play a crucial role in cell membrane structure and function, helping to maintain the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes. Certain fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are essential for the production of hormone-like substances called eicosanoids, which regulate various physiological processes.

    Additionally, fats provide insulation and protection to organs, acting as a thermal insulator and cushioning against physical impact. They also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) and certain flavor and aroma compounds that are not soluble in water.

    While the body can synthesize most of the fats it needs from other dietary components, there are certain essential fatty acids that cannot be produced in sufficient amounts. These essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, must be obtained from the diet to maintain good health.

    It's important to note that while fats are an important part of a balanced diet, their consumption should be moderated, as excessive intake can contribute to weight gain and various health issues. Choosing healthy sources of fats, such as unsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds, and plant oils, is recommended for maintaining optimal health.

     
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    <p>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/registered-dietician">Registered Dietitian</a> discusses Dangerous Fat in Our Diets</p>

     Registered Dietitian discusses Dangerous Fat in Our Diets

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    <p>Discusses high-fat food intolerance witha <a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/registered-dietician">local Registered Dietician .</a></p>

    Discusses high-fat food intolerance witha local Registered Dietician .

  • The Role of Fats in Our Diet

    Fat is an essential macronutrient and an important part of our diet. It provides energy, aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K), and helps maintain healthy cell function. However, it's important to note that fat is more calorie-dense than carbohydrates or protein, with 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for the other two macronutrients.

    While eating fat alone will not directly cause weight gain, consuming excessive calories from any macronutrient, including fat, can contribute to weight gain over time. Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than your body needs for its daily energy expenditure.

    The types of fat you mentioned, saturated and unsaturated fats, differ in their chemical structure and health effects. Saturated fats, which are mainly found in animal products such as meat and dairy, tend to be solid at room temperature. Consuming excessive amounts of saturated fats has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

    On the other hand, unsaturated fats, which are predominantly found in plant-based sources like avocados, nuts, and seeds, are generally considered healthier. Unsaturated fats can be further divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, both of which can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation. These fats are usually liquid at room temperature.

    Including moderate amounts of healthy fats in your meals can indeed help you feel fuller and satisfied for longer periods. Fats take longer to digest than carbohydrates, and they can help slow down the emptying of your stomach, leading to a greater feeling of satiety. This can be especially helpful for individuals looking to manage their appetite and maintain a balanced diet.

    However, it's essential to keep in mind that a balanced diet should consist of a variety of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The overall quality of your diet, portion sizes, and the balance of macronutrients all play a role in maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

     

                              

    Choosing a salad with mixed greens, olive oil, avocado, and a handful of nuts can indeed be a more satisfying and nutritious option compared to a mixed green salad with fat-free dressing.

    Including mixed greens as the base of your salad provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They are low in calories and high in nutrients. Adding healthy fats from olive oil and avocado can increase satiety and provide essential fatty acids that are beneficial for overall health. These fats also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins present in the salad.

    Incorporating a handful of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews, adds protein, healthy fats, and additional fiber to the salad. Nuts are also a good source of micronutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium.

    On the other hand, fat-free dressings often lack the healthy fats that can help you feel full and satisfied. While they may have fewer calories, they might not provide the same satiety as dressings with healthy fats. Additionally, certain fat-soluble vitamins present in the salad, like vitamin A, D, E, and K, require some dietary fat to be properly absorbed by the body.

    Overall, choosing a salad with mixed greens, olive oil, avocado, and nuts can offer a more balanced and satisfying meal by providing a combination of fiber, healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.

  • How to Reduce Saturated Fats

    Have you been diagnosed with high LDL cholesterol? Are you just trying to make some heart healthy choices? There are several things you can do with your diet, in particular, lowering your dietary saturated fat. To do that, you should try to aim for lower fat animal products. This will help lower your saturated fat.

    Choose extra lean ground beef. Take off the skin from your chicken and choose meats that are less marbled. You can also add more fish and nuts and seeds as well as choosing vegetarian meals such as beans and lentils and chickpeas and try to get rid of some of those high fat deli meats such as bacon sausages and salami. You can also reduce your choice of high fat creamy sauces and choose more tomato sauces instead. And finally, limit your egg yolks. If you can limit egg yolks to only two per week you'll lower your saturated fat intake and your cholesterol.

    If you'd like more information about how to lower your saturated fat intake, you can contact your local registered dietician.

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