FATS

ROLE

• Because it is so dense it provides a large source of energy
• Vitamins A, D, E and K rely on fats to be absorbed
• Essential fatty acids are important to brain development, blood clotting and controlling inflammation

TYPES OF FATS

• Saturated
• Unsaturated
• Trans

UNSATURATED

• Vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds
• Eating them in moderation lowers the risk of heart disease

SATURATED

• Found mostly in animals based products
• Meat, dairy, some plant oils (palm, coconut)
• Consuming to many can cause high risk of heart disease

TRANS

• Formed by hydrogenation
• Causes veggie oil to harden
• Can be found in stick margarine, snack foods, packaged baked goods
• Can raise your total blood cholesterol level, which increases your level for heart disease

OLESTRA

• Fat substitute
• Causes cramps and diarrhea
• Olestra is synthesized sucrose