Guest guest Posted March 17, 2003 Report Share Posted March 17, 2003 Everyone has there own opinion on fats. From my point....I am 46 years old...distance runner, hike, bike, weights, yoga, never had a weight problem and don't plan on it.....:-) I need good fats in my diet to function in my exercise programs.......I take omega 3 and omega 6 oils......a little olive oil on my salads......my energy over flows.........with heathly eating, exercise and finding peace with in myself.............. Blessings Bridget What We Need from Fats and Oils It is important to know that the body requires dietary fats/oils (known collectively as lipids) in order to maintain health. Essential fatty acids (EFA's) are what our body tissues need from the fats and oils in our diets everyday. EFA's and their derivatives are the components of fat that our cells use to do majorly important tasks such as building cell membranes for the brain, nervous system and other organs; constructing the sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, etc); and producing the regulatory molecules known as prostaglandins and thromboxanes which influence inflammation, blood vessel wall elasticity, blood clotting and fertility, among other things. Fatty acids also play crucial roles in specific information processes (as messenger molecules) our cells have to have in order to do their work. Consequences of Improper, or Insufficient, Fats and Oils Without healthy fat in the diet, we cannot absorb our fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Deficits in these vitamins cause their own set of troubles over time. Not getting the proper lipids in the diet can translate into problems as diverse as chronic dry or cracked skin, hair loss, decreased night vision and mood disorders. Getting "bad" fats such as Trans fatty acids further complicates the issue by crowding out the healthier fatty acids and increasing oxidative damage (free radical formation). Trans fatty acids are formed by the hydrogenation of fats, so common in processed foods. Avoid those whose labels read "hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fat or oil" as these are the Trans fats. Increased intake of Trans fats cause cholesterol to increase and evidence is accumulating indicating these bad fats to actually be involved in causing the development of diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Getting the RIGHT Fats for Everyone There should be a balance of fatty acids from the omega-3, omega-6 (all polyunsaturated oils) categories. In addition there should also be adequate intake of monounsaturated oil such as olive oil. All of these oils have a cardioprotective effect, but vitamin E and other antioxidants need to be taken to prevent oxidation, or "rancidity" or these oils. The omega-3 type fatty acids are found mostly in fish oils, flax seeds and flax oil. soybean oil and small amounts from walnuts and pumpkinseeds. Omega-6s come from most seeds/grains such as oils omega-3s on a daily basis, so adding more fish and soy products to the diet may be in order :If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere. - Vincent Van GoghPost your free ad now! Canada Personals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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