Fat is an important part of the diet because the body uses the compounds in fats to make cell membranes, vitamins, certain hormones and other substances that help the body work effectively. On the other hand, eating too much fat, particularly too much of the wrong kind of fat, can be detrimental to your health, which is why fatty foods are often considered to be "bad" for you.
Calories
One main drawback to fatty foods is the fact that they generally have a lot of calories. One gram of fat contains 9 calories, which is more than twice the amount of calories contained in an equivalent amount of carbohydrate or protein. Eating fatty foods can rapidly add extra calories to your diet, which can cause you to gain weight. Being overweight puts you at risk of developing a number of different health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
Saturated Fat
Foods that are high in saturated fat, such as red meat, butter, cheese and full-fat dairy products, can also cause other health problems. Saturated fats are one of the main culprits behind raised LDL cholesterol levels. If your LDL cholesterol is high, cholesterol will build up in your arteries, which can cause them to become narrower and stiffer. If this happens in the arteries which provide blood to your heart, it can increase your risk of having a heart attack.
Trans Fats
Fatty foods which contain trans fats can also negatively impact your health. Trans fats are made by hardening vegetable oils via a process known as hydrogenation. Trans fats can be found in fried foods, commercially made baked goods and some forms of margarine and shortening. Trans fats were originally used as an alternative to saturated fats, but they are used less commonly now because they also increase LDL cholesterol while reducing your levels of HDL cholesterol, which can actually protect your arteries from atherosclerosis.
Healthy Fats
Some kinds of fats are actually somewhat good for the body. Unsaturated fats are fats that are normally liquid or soft at room temperature and can be found in many vegetable oils, avocados, some forms of fish and nuts. Unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, can help your body absorb certain nutrients and can also reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems when eaten in appropriate quantities.
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