Consuming excessive amounts of fatty foods can contribute to weight gain and the onset of health problems, especially cardiovascular illnesses. Nevertheless, it is important to consume fat in order to be healthy. In effect, THE fatty acids are essential for the functioning of the body at several levels.
But not all fats are created equal. And it is particularly necessary to avoid so-called “ultra fatty” foods and to consume them only occasionally.
What is the role of fats in the body?
Fats, whether of animal or vegetable origin, are made up of lipids. These macronutrients (like proteins and carbohydrates) participate in the energy supply of the human body.
Lipids play several major roles for the proper functioning of the body:
- They participate in the cell structure and compositionin the form of phospholipids.
- They bringenergy to the human body, in the form of triglycerides.
- They participate in many processes, such as hormone production.
What are the different types of fatty acids?
Fatty acids are the constituents of lipids. They are classified into 3 distinct families with on the one hand the “good fat” liquid, these are the so-called unsaturated fats, and on the other the “bad fat” solid: saturated and trans fats which increase the cholesterol level. and can clog arteries.
- THE unsaturated fatty acids. A distinction is made between polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) and monounsaturated fatty acids (omega-9). They are found in particular in vegetable oils, such as flax or nuts,krill oil and fatty fish. They help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, and thus reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- THE saturated fatty acids. They are found mainly in products of animal origin (except fish), certain oils of tropical origin (especially palm oil) and of course in all foods made from these same products, such as pastries or the cold cuts. These foods increase the cholesterol level in the blood. It is therefore necessary to strongly limit their consumption.
- THE trans fatty acids. They are found naturally in meat or dairy products, and can also be produced industrially: we then speak of hydrogenated fats. They are found in many industrial preparations, dishes prepared with aperitif biscuits. These fatty acids are extremely bad for your health, especially for the blood vessels and the heart. They are deposited, in fact, on the walls of the arteries, blocking them, and in extreme cases, breaking them.
To preserve your health, you should limit high-fat productsespecially those containing trans fatty acids. This slideshow presents 9 ultra fatty foods that it is better to avoid when you are on a diet or when you simply want to take care of your diet.
Sources:
- LipidsAnses, 03/15/2021
- Lipids, energy in reserveVidal, 09/16/2019
