The Effects of Fatty Foods

Fatty foods greatly affect your health and diet plan. It is important to know how to identify the types of fat present in what you eat and understand how they may harm or help you.

History

In 1957, the American Heart Association first advised that reducing dietary fats would reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Types

Four types of fat exist in food: saturated, trans, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat. Always check nutrition labels to verify the type of fat and the percentage present.

Negative Effects

According to the American Heart Association, saturated and trans fat are linked to high LDL (bad) cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes. Consume no more than 1 percent trans fat and 7 percent saturated fat daily.

Postive Effects

Polyunsaturated fats reduce the risk of heart disease and provide essential omega fats. According to the American Diabetes Association, monounsaturated fat lowers LDL cholesterol.

Considerations

Although, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats provide positive benefits, consume them in moderation to avoid negative effects. If you are a diabetic or have heart problems, consult your physician for a detailed eating plan.

References

• The American Heart Association History of Fat
• The American Heart Association
• American Diabetes Association

Resources

• FDA Nutrion Labels