There are essential nutrients that our body requires and they are carbohydrates (carbs), fat, vitamins, proteins, minerals and water.
The three that I am going to talk to you about are Fats, Proteins and Carbohydrates which are essential for normal body function and energy.
FATS
These nutrients contain carbon, hydrogen, some oxygen, and sometimes other chemical elements.
Purpose: Source of energy, most concentrated, insulator to preserve body heat, supply essential fatty acids, carry fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E,K.
Classified into 3 main groups: SIMPLE=fatty acids are mono (1), di (2) and tri (3) and they are saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
Saturated are foods high in meat, animal fat, lard, whole milk, cream, butter, cheese, ice cream, hydrogenated oils (plastic), coconut oil, palm oil, and others that do not melt at room temperature; these fats raise blood cholesterol levels.
Unsaturated are monounsaturated fatty acids that are double bond and are olive, corn, cottonseed, safflower, walnut, sunflower and soybean oils that liquefy at room temperature. These oils are also known for lowering blood cholesterol. "When unsaturated fats replace saturated fats in the diet, the former tend to stimulate the liver to clear cholesterol from the blood." (p.51, Hoeger)
Other Fatty Acids: Hydrogen added to increase shelf-life, solidify and increase of atoms changes the position transforming fat which = trans fatty acids in such foods as margarine, spreads, crackers, cookies, diary products, meats, fast foods and these fats elevate cholesterol.
Omega-3 also known as alpha-linoleic acid and is a polyunsaturated fatty acid good for heart health and food sources are flax seed (high in fiber), and legumes which helps to reduce heart rhythms and prevent blot clots. Lesser amounts found in walnuts, soybeans, wheat germ. Use not recommended for lactating or pregnant women.
Omega-6 is an unsaturated fatty acid and food sources are corn, sunflower, and most oils in processed foods. If used to excess it can amplify inflammatory processes that can damage organs in the body.
Learn to read labels before you purchase your product; just because the label states "partially hydrogenated" and "trans-fatty acids" they can still carry a health risk just as high as that of saturated fats!
