 |
 |
|
Fat: You Are What You EatMost people are familiar with the close link between high levels of blood cholesterol and the increased risk of heart attack and stroke. What many people are surprised to learn is that the major dietary factor that raises our blood cholesterol is not the actual cholesterol in foods, but rather our total fat intake. Now, not all fats are created equal. They differ chemically in the way their molecules are linked. Of the three types of fat—saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated—it is the saturated fats that contribute to higher cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in abundance in meats and dairy products, which is why the intake of those foods should be limited. Vegetable and plant oils are preferred because they are generally high in mono- and polyunsaturated fats, and so do not significantly raise blood cholesterol levels. « Back |
