HFA4C All about Fats

Intro..... Fats are organic compounds that are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are a source of energy in foods. Fats belong to a group of substances called lipids, and come in liquid or solid form. All fats are combinations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

Function of Fats Fat is one of the 3 nutrients (along with protein and carbohydrates) that supply calories to the body. Fat provides 9 calories per gram, more than twice the number provided by carbohydrates or protein. Fat is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Fats provide essential fatty acids, which are not made by the body and must be obtained from food. The essential fatty acids are linoleic and linolenic acid. They are important for controlling inflammation, blood clotting, and brain development.

Fat serves as the storage substance for the body's extra calories. It fills the fat cells (adipose tissue) that help insulate the body. Fats are also an important energy source. When the body has used up the calories from carbohydrates, which occurs after the first 20 minutes of exercise, it begins to depend on the calories from fat.

Healthy skin and hair are maintained by fat. Fat helps the body absorb and move the vitamins A, D, E, and K through the bloodstream.

Food Sources

SATURATED FATS These are the biggest dietary cause of high LDL levels ("bad cholesterol"). When looking at a food label, pay very close attention to the percentage of saturated fat and avoid or limit any foods that are high. Saturated fat should be limited to 10% of calories. Saturated fats are found in animal products such as butter, cheese, whole milk, ice cream, cream, and fatty meats. They are also found in some vegetable oils -- coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils. (Note: Most other vegetable oils contain unsaturated fat and are healthy.)

UNSATURATED FATS Fats that help to lower blood cholesterol if used in place of saturated fats. However, unsaturated fats have a lot of calories, so you still need to limit them. Most (but not all) liquid vegetable oils are unsaturated. (The exceptions include coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils.) There are two types of unsaturated fats: Monounsaturated fats: Examples include olive and canola oils. Polyunsaturated fats: Examples include fish, safflower, sunflower, corn, and soybean oils.

TRANS FATTY ACIDS These fats form when vegetable oil hardens (a process called hydrogenation) and can raise LDL levels. They can also lower HDL levels ("good cholesterol"). Trans fatty acids are found in fried foods, commercial baked goods (donuts, cookies, crackers), processed foods, and margarines.

HYDROGENATED AND PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED FATS This refers to oils that have become hardened (such as hard butter and margarine). Partially hydrogenated means the oils are only partly hardened. Foods made with hydrogenated oils should be avoided because they contain high levels of trans fatty acids, which are linked to heart disease. (Look at the ingredients in the food label.)

Side Effects Eating too much saturated fat is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. A diet high in saturated fat causes a soft, waxy substance called cholesterol to build up in the arteries. Too much fat also increases the risk of heart disease because of its high calorie content, which increases the chance of becoming obese (another risk factor for heart disease and some types of cancer).

A large intake of polyunsaturated fat may increase the risk for some types of cancer. Reducing daily fat intake is not a guarantee against developing cancer or heart disease, but it does help reduce the risk factors.

Recommendations Choose lean, protein-rich foods such as soy, fish, skinless chicken, very lean meat, and fat-free or 1% dairy products. Eat foods that are naturally low in fat such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Get plenty of soluble fiber such as oats, bran, dry peas, beans, cereal, and rice. Limit fried foods, processed foods, and commercially prepared baked goods (donuts, cookies, crackers). Limit animal products such as egg yolks, cheeses, whole milk, cream, ice cream, and fatty meats (and large portions of meats). Look at food labels, especially the level of saturated fat. Avoid or limit foods high in saturated fat.

Look on food labels for words like "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" -- these foods are loaded with bad fats and should be avoided. Liquid vegetable oil, soft margarine, and trans fatty acid-free margarine are preferable to butter, stick margarine, or shortening.

Children under age 2 should NOT be on a fat-restricted diet because cholesterol and fat are thought to be important nutrients for brain development. It is important to read the nutrition labels and be aware of the amount of different types of fat contained in food.

How do I ensure that I am consuming under 30% fat? Here's a sample menu. It includes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, milk, and an apple. The peanut butter is high in fat, but it's a nutritious food and the overall total from the whole meal is about 30% from fat. Two slices of bread = 13% fat (30 of 230 calories from fat) Two tablespoons of peanut butter = 75% fat (140 of 190 calories from fat) One tablespoon of jelly = 0% fat (0 of 50 calories from fat) One cup of 1% milk = 18 % (20 of 110 calories from fat) Apple = 0% (0 of 80 calories from fat) Total = 29% fat (190 of 660 calories from fat)

1. Which of these fats raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol? Face the Fats Quiz Do you know your fats by heart? Ready to make informed choices about the foods you eat? 1. Which of these fats raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol? A. Saturated fats and trans fats B. Polyunsaturated fats C. Monounsaturated fats D. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats

Which of these fats can increase your risk of heart disease? A. Polyunsaturated fats B. Monounsaturated fats C. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats D. Trans fats and saturated fats

Which of these are partially hydrogenated oils closely related to? A. Monounsaturated fats B. Polyunsaturated fats C. Trans fats D. Saturated fats

Which of these are NOT a fat? A. Prorated fats B. Polyunsaturated fats C. Trans fats D. Saturated fats

Which three food items typically contain high amounts of saturated fats? A. Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils B. Bacon, cheeseburger, whole milk C. Avocadoes, olive oil, canola oil D. Salmon, trout, herring

Which five food items typically contain high amounts of trans fats? A. Ice cream, butter, cheese, ribs, lard B. Oatmeal, berries, spinach, carrots, peach C. French fries, cookies, shortening, stick margarine, doughnuts D. Peanut butter, tub margarine, olives, mayonnaise, beans

The American Heart Association recommends limiting your saturated fat consumption to less than ___percent of your daily calories. A. 7% B. 10% C. 15% D. 20%

The American Heart Association recommends most of the fats you eat every day be: A. Saturated fats and trans fats B. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats C. Trans fats and polyunsaturated fats D. Saturated fats and monounsaturated fats

If a food package says “0g Trans Fat”, what is the amount of Trans fats that product contains? A. 0 gram per serving B. Less than 1 gram per serving C. Less than 0.5 grams per serving D. Less than 0.2 grams per serving

If a food package says “Cholesterol-free”, it means the product does not contain any fats that might increase your LDL (bad) cholesterol. True or False? A. True B. False

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Your Cholesterol Levels Total Cholesterol Level Category Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable level that puts you at lower risk for coronary heart disease. A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher raises your risk. 200 to 239 mg/dL Borderline high 240 mg/dL and above High blood cholesterol. A person with this level has more than twice the risk of coronary heart disease as someone whose cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL. *Your total cholesterol score is calculated by the following: HDL + LDL + 20% of your triglyceride level.