Low Fat Diets Could Increase Heart Disease Risk

Nutrition experts are suggesting what EB already knows...and practices! EB Nutrition food plans focus on the balance of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Mono- and polyunsaturated fats are integral for key functions within the body including hormone production, vitamin absorption, organ protection, satiety, and energy production.

The difference in benefits lies in the type of fat. Saturated fats, which are solid at room temperature, are given their name because they are "saturated" with hydrogen molecules. Unsaturated fats contain one (mono) or many (poly) double bonds, giving them more fluid properties. Because saturated fats are solid, they tend to congregate and collect on artery walls, therefore increasing risk for heart disease. One more fat to consider, trans fats, are even more detrimental to health than saturated fats. These man-made fats are chemically a shape that the body does not recognize and therefore has a hard time processing, leading to inflammation and heart disease.

On the other hand, by skimping on fat, as this article suggests, we end up over consuming carbohydrates and sugar. This can lead to weight gain, a huge risk factor for heart disease, as well as insulin resistance and possibly type II diabetes, an even greater risk for heart disease. Furthermore, excessive carbohydrate consumption contributes to elevated triglyceride levels, which is one blood marker used to assess heart disease risk.

In conclusion, don't low-anything in your diet. Moderation is key to health, and by balancing these vital macronutrients, you can achieve balance within your body - both physiologically and emotionally.