Understanding Fats: Setting the Myths Straight

You’ve heard it before and you will likely hear it again. If you are looking to lose weight or maintain your current weight, you need to consume a diet that is low in fat. Not only is a diet that is low in fat good for your weight but it’s also essential in helping to manage your cholesterol as well as in preventing a number of health problems. However, it’s not so much just a low-fat diet that you need to be worried about. It’s the type of fat that that you are consuming that matters.

Good Fats vs. Bad Fats:

There are good fats as well as bad fats. Good fats, which include omega-3 fatty acids are key in maintaining optimal mental and physical health; including preventing cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, you have your bad fats. These bad fats can put you at risk for high cholesterol as well as cardiovascular disease.

The Basics of Dietary Fats:

In a world where everything as a low-fat or fat-free option, understanding what you should actually be eating can be rather challenging.

● Bad fats include saturated fats as well a trans fats. These fats are too blame for clogged arteries and excessive weight gain.
● Good fats include omega-3s, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. These healthy fats help you to control your weight as well as manage your moods, provide mental clarity and can even help you to fight fatigue.

Fat Myths:

All fats, no matter what types of fats, are bad for you. This is far from true. As stated earlier, saturated fats and trans fats are not good for your health. They increase your cholesterol levels and put you at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Polyunsaturated fats as well as monounsaturated fats do just the opposite. They help to keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce the chances of you developing cardiovascular disease.

If a food is described as fat-free, it is definitely good for you. Fat-free does not always mean good for you. A fat-free label does not mean that you should enjoy as much as you want. Fat-free foods are often still very high in sugar, calories and refined carbohydrates. Always read the nutrition label before determining is a fat-free food is really as good for you as you may think.

A low-fat diet is a must if you are trying to lose weight. While this may seem logical, the truth is that reducing your caloric intake and exercising regularly is what is going to lead to weight loss. In fact, you should not cut fats from your diet entirely. Fats are filling. Since fats are filling they can help to prevent you from snacking and overeating.
A little extra belly fat does not matter. All body fat is not the same. It’s actually extremely important that you do not carry excessive fat in your mid-section. Carrying abdominal fat increases your risk of developing diabetes; this is because your liver and other vital organs are found in your abdominal region.

Not all fats are bad for you. In fact, there are fats that are helpful in maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet. The key is to understand the difference between good and bad fats.
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