Fat, this word could be the life-changing element in the human body. There are many instances of fatness ado or illness you have seen around. Excess fat does not only impact your exterior appearance but also links risks to your health. If you are one of those carrying a few extra pounds and still does not care then you should continue reading this write-up.
We have learned many a time that fat is an essential nutrient to live healthier and out of the blue, it turned out to be risky. Yes, there are various types of fats and all are not bad. It is merely a matter of type and a proper amount of intake. If you consume fats wisely with other nutrients they will help you to serve both structural and metabolic functions.
Here are some benefits of fats;
- Lower your cholesterol level
- Build cells
- Source of essential fatty acids
- Provide energy
- Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble only
- Maintain healthy skin and hair
- Maintains body temperature
- Promote healthy cell functions
- Maintain warmness in the body
- Produce essential hormones to make your body work properly
Now, you certainly are sure that fats are not that bad. Types of fats and difference between them lie in their chemical structure (1);
- Saturated Fats
It is considered unhealthy since it increases the levels of bad fats in the body which further leads to heart disease. Saturated fats are present in red meat, whole milk dairy products, eggs, ice-cream, ghee, deep-fried foods, etc.
2. Trans fats
Most of the Trans fats are found in industrial products since companies use hydrogen to liquid vegetable oil to make them solid at room temperature. These fats help to last long, gives taste and texture. They found in foods like frozen pizza, cakes, biscuits, crackers, cookies, French fries, and other fried, baked foods.
Trans fats taste good and the world is running after them but they are not good for health. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
3. Unsaturated fats
It is good to recommend for heart and rest of the body. They are liquid at room temperature and you can replace them with other unhealthy fats. There are two types of it.
i. Monounsaturated fats
This type of fats discovered in foods like avocados, olive, peanut oils, almonds, pecans, rapeseed oil and spread, peanut butter, and other nuts.
ii. Polyunsaturated fats
It is found in foods like corn, soybean, sunflower, walnuts, salmon, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, maize oil, polyunsaturated margarine, and other fatty fish.
These days, it seems that you can’t open a newspaper without seeing an article about one medical study or another that warns about all of the potentially harmful consequences associated with being overweight. For example, overweight people have higher risks of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes. If you ask me, those are some pretty compelling reasons to make a commitment to shed some pounds now.
This is very crucial to choose food because fats contain high calories. Therefore, it is recommended to consume a moderate amount of all nutrients and so the fats. If we shut eyes to fat consumption following are the hidden health ailments could occur;
- The risk of cardiovascular disease
- Strokes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Colorectal cancer
- Premature death
- High blood pressure
- Sleep disorders
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Depression
- Arthritis
- Body aches and pain
- Metabolic syndrome
These are the possible health issues you would be prone to if you turn your blind eye to fat consumption. Hence, cut down your saturated fat intake and consume healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, etc.
Recommended read: 7 everyday ways to burn 100 calories
