Monday, February 17, 2014

Busting the Myths about fats

Trans fat are the hydrogenated fats in processed foods. Some people think that trans fats are only found in fried foods. . That is not the case. Some trans fats are found naturally in small amounts in meat and dairy products but are not a significant source. Many processed foods use "hydrogenated" vegetable oils that add trans fat, so check the nutrition facts labels.


Another myth is that fats are the same. However, this is not the case. Trans fatty acids raise bad cholesterol levels and lower good cholesterol levels, and increase your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke.


Another myth is that no trans fat means no taste. Today manufacturers are finding new ways to improve the texture and taste of food without using trans fatty acids.


Saturated fat are generally found in animal based foods.  Some people think that all saturated fats are bad for you. However this is not necessarily true. Steric acid, the most abundant saturated fat in beef and chocolate can be good for you. It does not raise bad cholesterol and gives good cholesterol a boost.




Some people believe that saturated fats are from animal products. However, saturated fatty acids are mainly found in fatty meats and high-fat dairy products, but some plant foods are high in saturated fat such as coconut, palm and palm kernel oils.




There are people that believe that if you eat fat you get fat. However, this is false. Fat is a powerful source of energy, more than twice as concentrated as protein and carbohydrates. Consuming more calories than you need is what makes you gain weight--not the source of the calories.


And finally there is a myth that meat is high in saturated fat. This is not necessarily the case. Foods contain differing amounts of each type of fat. Monounsaturated fatty acids make up half the fat content of lean red meat. Look for the words "round" or "loin" in the name to choose the leanest cuts.


saturated fats should be eaten in moderation-10% of your total intake.

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