Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Eating to Lose Body Fat, Some Facts About Fat

By Ricardo d Argence

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.

Although everyone is going crazy trying to lose a huge a mount of weight, we can't lose sight of the fact that in small amounts fat is part of a healthy diet. The purpose of fat cells is to help regulate hormonal levels, furnish energy sources, as well as provide cushioning for the body's internal organs. The problem then is not in the presence of fat but the amount. The three-percent threshold, when crossed, signals a dangerous situation to vital parts of the body.

Your diet basically makes available to your body two kinds of fat: good fat or bad fat. The so-called good fats are the polyinsaturated and monounsaturated types, while the so-called bad fats are the saturated and trans fat types. The latter we need to avoid while the former is an essential part of a balanced diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to the processes of the human body, but they have to be ingested, as the body does not manufacture them. 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,the kind of fat you should avoid will be contained. A diet high in saturated or trans fats, including products such as cheese, french fries, and potato chips, quickly leads to health problems.

Trans fats provide a doubly whammy to the body by increasing the amount of bad cholesterol while lowering the among of good cholesterol.

Therefore, in addition to adding pounds around your midsection, you realize that fat storage may adversely impact your health. Besides the risk of high cholesterol, you are risking developing diabetes, stroke or heart attack. Exercise more and you will lower you risk of these and other health problems,the short answer is cut back on the bad fats. - 15266

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