Cholesterol is a white, waxy, fatlike substance that is an important component of hormones and cell walls in your body. Your liver produces all the cholesterol you need, so it really isn’t a dietary necessity. Many people have the ability to regulate cholesterol production in the liver based on the amount they obtain from food each day. Read the rest of this entry »
Trans fatty acids are formed when unsaturated liquid vegetable oils are hydrogenated (hydrogen atoms are added) to create a product with a longer shelf life. Although trans fatty acids occur naturally in some animal fats, the majority of the trans fat we consume comes from packaged foods such as crackers, chips, and baked goods; fried foods; stick margarine; and shortening. Read the rest of this entry »
Alternatively, you can calculate your carbohydrate and protein needs first, and then determine how many grams of fat are required to make up the balance of your daily calorie needs.
Many people consume more fat than necessary by relying too heavily on convenience foods and restaurants. Although keeping tabs on your total fat intake makes good sense, it’s also important to realize that not all fats are created equally. Some types are associated with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, whereas others have been shown to reduce your risk for these very conditions. Read the rest of this entry »