The U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid diet recommends about 30 percent of daily calories come from fat and is considered a healthy diet, according to the Jackson/Siegelbaum Gastroenterology medical group based out of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Low-fat diets contain 10 percent to 30 percent of daily calories from fat. A low-fat diet may be recommended if you have gastrointestinal problems, high cholesterol or heart disease.
Reverse Heart Disease
The Ornish diet is a low-fat diet with 10 percent to 20 percent of calories coming from fat, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. The diet is based on a clinical trial run by Dr. Dean Ornish in 1990 that was shown to reverse heart disease. The diet is primarily made up of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Dieters following the program can eat as much of these foods as they want. All meats and dairy products, except egg whites, nonfat yogurt and nonfat milk are excluded from the diet. Sugar, salt and alcohol are allowed in moderation.
Low-Fat Diet for Gastrointestinal Problems
A low-fat diet may be recommended if you have gallbladder disease, delayed gastric emptying or diarrhea, according to the Jackson/Siegelbaum Gastroenterology group. The low-fat diet for gastrointestinal issues limits your fat intake to about 20 percent of your daily calorie total. The diet consists of low-fat and fat-free dairy products, lean sources of protein, fruits, vegetables and starches. The diet limits added fat, such as butter, oil and mayonnaise, to less than three servings a day. While following the low-fat diet for gastrointestinal issues, it is important to be careful how food is prepared. All visible fat from meats should be trimmed and meats should be baked, broiled or steamed, according to the Jackson/Siegelbaum group.
To Lower Blood Cholesterol
A low-fat diet to lower blood cholesterol limits total fat to 25 percent to 35 percent of total calories, saturated fat to less than 7 percent of total calories and cholesterol intake to less than 200 milligrams. This diet is also known as the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet, according to the National Institutes of Health National Heart Blood and Lung Institutes. The low-fat diet to lower cholesterol encourages you to eat more fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, pasta, fish, shellfish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. Animal fats found in red meat, dairy products and butter contain saturated fat and intake of these foods should be severely limited. On an 1,800 calorie diet, limit your total fat intake to 50 grams to 70 grams a day when trying to lower your cholesterol.
Member Comments