Understanding the Impact of Dietary Fats on Health

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.