Everybody needs a certain amount of fat in a diet. Fat gives you energy, and it gives your body what it needs to perform in a healthy manner, but too much fat can create health problems. Many serious health issues including heart disease and cancer are associated with a high-fat diet.
Heart Disease
A high-fat diet---especially one that contains unhealthy fats like saturated fats and trans fats---can clog your arteries. Since blood needs to pass through your arteries and to your heart freely, an obstruction formed by an accumulation of plaque that comes from eating too many foods that contain saturated and trans fats can lead to a heart attack. When your brain does not receive blood due to a blockage in an artery, you can suffer a stroke.
Cancer
Too much fat in a diet can contribute to cancer of the colon, says the Virginia Cooperative Extension, especially if your diet lacks fiber or health-promoting antioxidants. A diet high in fat may cause cancer to develop in the breast or prostate. Saturated fat is the usual suspect, but fats other than saturated fat can cause cancer as well. Of these fats, fat from fish is not one of them. The Virginia Cooperative Extension also states there is an increased number of people who develop cancer of the pancreas in countries that consume a lot of fat.
Obesity
A person that carries a large amount of fat is considered obese. Since fats are high in calories, a high-fat diet often contributes to obesity and the problems associated with it. Obese people have an increased risk of developing health conditions such as gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, gastroesophageal reflux, sleep apnea, gout and osteoarthritis. Individuals that eat a high-fat diet and become obese also put themselves at risk for type 2 diabetes. Problems during pregnancy may result if a woman is overweight. Obesity can also throw you into a state of depression if you see yourself being unattractive because of your weight.
Member Comments