Today, we are constantly bombarded with offers selling the latest fat loss plan or gadget. From medications and drink concoctions to tiny magnetic devices, each targeting the same thing: body fat. Sounds good, right? Getting rid of fat from our bodies either by burning it off through physical activity or taking it our fo our diets. The body actually needs fat for its processes and requires fat consumption in order to remain healthy. Yes, you heard correctly.

It is important that we understand that a small amout of fat is actually good for us, while we are all trying desperately to lose excessive amounts of weight. Fat cells are essential to hormone regulation, storing energy, and providing cushioning for our internal organs. The problem then is not in the presence of fat but the amount. The three percent threshold is when a necessary part of the body becomes dangerous,when we cross.

There are basically two types of fat that you receive from your diet good and bad. Good fats are called Polyunsaturated and Monounsaturated Fats and bad fats are Saturated or Trans fats. The latter we need to avoid while the former is an essential part of a balanced diet. Things like omega 3 fatty acids are essential to the human body however; the body is unable to manufacture it. Therefore, we must get it from our diet.

In order to get the good fat the body needs you should know what foods contain them. Examples of good fat foods are nuts, avocados, sunflower seeds and fish oil.

In deep fat fried foods and heavily preserved foods will be contained the kind of fat you should avoid. When we eat high levels of saturated or tran’s fats we can run into health problems in a hurry a short list of examples would lood something like eggs, cheese, french fries and potato chips.

Tran’s fats are really harmful for your body as they decrease the good cholestrol besides increasing bad cholestrol in your body.

Fat storage adds weight to your midsection and also has an overall adverse impact on your health. Besides having high cholesterol you are prone to the risk of having diabetes, stroke and heart attack. The simple solution is to cut back on bad fats and exercise more in order to reduce your risk of these as well as additional health problems.

Tags: Nutrition

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