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Abbott Nutrition Careline 1800-88-6233 Mondays-Fridays 9am-6pm 
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FATS - A Necessary Nutrient
We all need it
Fats help nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, and maintain healthy cell membranes. However, if consumed in excess amounts, fats can contribute to weight gain and many health risks.
As fats are not created equal, the key is to replace bad fats with good fats in our diet.
Why we need it
Fat is the most efficient source of food energy. It gives energy during endurance exercises, in between meals, and in times of starvation. It also provides essential fatty acids, which are needed for specific body functions that we are incapable of synthesizing.
Fats help nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, and maintain healthy cell membranes. However, if consumed in excess amounts, fats can contribute to weight gain and many health risks.
As fats are not created equal, the key is to replace bad fats with good fats in our diet.
Why we need it
Fat is the most efficient source of food energy. It gives energy during endurance exercises, in between meals, and in times of starvation. It also provides essential fatty acids, which are needed for specific body functions that we are incapable of synthesizing.
Types of fat
Fatty Acids (FAs)
Chemically known as fatty acids, FAs are simply called fat.
Chemically known as fatty acids, FAs are simply called fat.
To help you make wise food choices, there are 3 basic types of fat you need to know:
- Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs)
- Polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs)
- Saturated fats (SFAs)
GOOD fats : MUFAs and PUFAs are like oil, flowing through your arteries.
BAD fats : SFAs act like sludge, sticking to the arteries.
What makes good fats healthy and bad fats unhealthy is all in the chemical structure of the fat called saturation.
Saturated fats
These are solids at room temperature.
Diets high in SFAs:
- Are associated with elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
- Can cause increased risks of heart disease
Unsaturated fats
These are liquids at room temperature.
Diets high in MUFAs and PUFAs:
- Are associated with lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)and higher HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels
- Can improve blood pressure
- Can positively impact serum lipid levels
- Can reduce risks of heart disease