Health Supplements

Is having a diet high in fat really as bad as it’s made out to be?

Posted on 10. Nov, 2011 by admin in Healthy diets

Most people are aware that eating a large quantity of fatty foods is bad for you, but many may be unaware of the actual effects upon the body.

Health implications

Your diet provides your body with a range of different nutrients, vitamins and minerals, which are needed for a range of different functions, however, some foods are a lot more beneficial than others and eating a large quantity of certain foods can be detrimental. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables is good for you because these foods are high in vitamins and minerals, while at the opposite end of the scale, eating foods that are high in saturated fat and salt can contribute to major, life-threatening illnesses.

A diet that is high in fatty, fried foods contributes to an increased risk of heart disease, which is the UK’s biggest killer. Fatty foods contribute to atherosclerosis, a process that causes fatty deposits to collect in the arteries, preventing the blood from flowing freely and stops oxygen being transported around the body correctly. A diet high in salty and fatty foods also raises blood pressure and cholesterol, both of which are risk factors for strokes and heart attacks. Eating lots of fatty foods also contributes to weight gain and obesity and increases the risk of several illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease, as well as decreased fertility and an increased risk of mental health problems.

Obesity is difficult to treat if an individual becomes very overweight, which may only be rectified with complex treatments, such as weight loss surgery, which includes procedures including gastric band and gastric bypass surgery.

How much fat should I be eating?

Fat is an essential part of a balanced diet and fats carry out important roles in the body, but it is important that you monitor your intake and keep an eye on the amount of saturated fats you consume. As a general guideline, women should consume a maximum of 70 grams of fat per day, while men should consume a maximum of 90 grams. Of the total calories consumed per day (2,000 for women and 2,500 for men), no more than 11 percent should be made up of saturated fat. More information about obesity and losing weight is on www.gastricbands.co.uk.

Good and bad fats

Fats play an essential role in the body and are used to transport fat-soluble vitamins, but some sources of fat are much more beneficial for the body than others. Foods that are high in saturates are not good for the body and should be monitored very closely. Examples of these foods include whole milk, cakes, fried foods and processed meat. Good sources of fat include olive oil, nuts, avocado and oily fish.

Tags: dieting, gastric band, gastric bypass surgery, weight loss