cardiac - What's The Truth About Fat?

What's The Truth About Fat?

by Brian Stewart

When I hear the word fat I usually think of a roll of it hanging over a persons belt, or that guy Milty, from the movie Van Wilder, doing a belly flop off of the top diving platform with the words, “save the swim team”, written across his backside. Sometimes, however, the picture of a big, juicy, double quarter pounder with cheese will slip its way into my mind. Although, if I were to eat more than the one per month that I allow myself now I would probably be sick for days, thanks to the health food lifestyle I’ve become accustomed to over the past few years. For the most part, the word fat has a negative connotation.

Like a lot of people, I like to avoid fat. We’ve been warned against it for years. There’s even an entire industry that promotes the idea that fat is horrible. Just take a walk down almost any isle in a grocery store and you’ll see a parade of items labeled “low-fat”, “no fat”, “reduced fat”, or “fat-free”. Doctors,

dieticians, and nutritionists have been on our cases about it for what seems like an eternity.

There are numerous studies showing that although Americans today are consuming less fat, there are more of us than ever who are becoming obese. What this should tell you is that worrying only about fat is not the answer. There are many other pieces to the puzzle. For instance, eating more carbohydrates that you use for energy throughout the day will cause the remaining carbs to be stored and therefore turned into fat. A couple other reasons are lack of exercise in our society, and the fact that we’re consuming more calories than ever. I’ve heard it called the no-fats domino theory: Less fat equals less guilt equals more eating.

The amount of fat we eat is important. Only about 25-30% of our daily calories should come from fat. But, perhaps even more important is the type of fat we eat. This is what really determines your heart

attack risk. Yes there is such a thing as good fat. There names are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. You can find them in oils such as olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, safflower oil, and peanut oil. Some of the healthy fat foods include natural peanut butter, almonds and other nuts, almond butter, oatmeal, and fish (salmon, orange roughy, tuna, and tilapia). That’s right these are all loaded with fat and they’re good for you. Some are even so good they’re called “essential” fatty acids.

About the Author
Brian Stewart, Independent Marketing Partner with BetaFuel, NiteTrim, and MarqiFitness, has been researching health and fitness issues since his early teens. For more information visit the websites www.BriansNiteTrim.com, www.MarqiFitness4Life.com, or www.BetaFuelFatBurner.com

Other Articles:

Nutritional Myths that Just Won't Die: Protein!
When it comes to the topic of sports nutrition there are many myths and fallacies that float around like some specter in the shadows. They pop up when you least expect them and throw a monkey wrench into the best laid plans of the hard training athlete trying to make some headway. Of...

What Can You Do About Bad Breath?
Some people spend their entire lives with bad breath, which can dramatically affect their self-esteem. Their loved ones don't want to kiss them, their friends back away during conversation, and their business relationships can even suffer. Some know they have bad breath but don't know...

The Nutrition Wonder – Omega 3 Fish Oil
Omega 3 fish oil is the undisputed health supplement choice of many – and not without reason. This nutritional wonder is classified as a polyunsaturated fatty acid. The human body needs the following classes of fatty acids for their very survival: Cholesterols Saturated fats...