Fats are just one of the three essential fuel nutrients -- fats, carbohydrates and proteins. They are a part of almost every meal and, for many people, pleasing to the taste. Fats have a bad reputation, but it is important to understand that all fat is not bad. Fat provides some benefits to the body, without which, we could not survive. But some types of fat that are bad -- very bad. Understanding the difference between good fat and bad fat may play a role in facilitating the development of healthy eating habits and a healthy body. A good rule to remember is to stay away from saturated fats.
Raises Total Cholesterol Levels
Saturated fats are solid at room temperature, are of animal origin and are responsible for increasing blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fats increase blood cholesterol more than dietary cholesterol does. This is because saturated fat raises total cholesterol levels by increasing cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Although the body needs cholesterol, it produces enough on its own. Total cholesterol levels climb when you eat saturated fat. The total cholesterol reading is a combination of the triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, both of which negatively impact health. This rise in total cholesterol starts a domino effect and causes various health problems.
Contributes to Atherosclerosis and Hypertension
A diet rich in saturated fat leads to a build up of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries. Over time, these fatty deposits become hard and reduce blood flow. The resulting condition is called atherosclerosis. When the fatty substance hardens, it causes the artery walls to become narrow and less flexible. As the fatty deposits build up in the passageways, it restricts blood flow. The reduction in flexibility reduces the ability of the artery to dilate, contributing to an increase in pressure in the artery. This is called high blood pressure or hypertension.
May Lead to Diabetes
Too much saturated fat in your diet may lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the cells are unable to take in the available insulin. The March 2002 issue of "Diabetes Care" indicates there is a link between saturated fat consumption and the development of Type 2 diabetes.
May Lead to Heart Attack or Death
High cholesterol from a diet high in saturated fat makes it more likely you'll have a heart attack because of the fatty deposits on the artery walls. This results in a reduction in the size of the passageway for blood. Additionally, the presence of these fatty deposits increases the potential for fatty deposits to break away and cause a blockage further down stream. Fatty deposits that harden result in atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis contributes to a heart attack when the heart tissue and or arteries have become compromised by the effects of eating saturated fat. A diet that is high in saturated fat may cause high cholesterol blood levels, increased triglyceride levels, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure -- each of which may lead to an increased risk of heart attack and or stroke. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted. A stroke occurs when an artery becomes weakened and eventually bursts or springs a significant leak. Both of these conditions can occur as an indirect result of too much saturated fat in the diet.
References
- FamilyatHeart.org: Key Facts About Heart Disease
- PubMed Health: Hardening of the Arteries
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary Fats: Know Which Types to Choose; February 2011
- American Diabetes Association: Type 2
- "Diabetes Care"; Dietary Fat and Meat Intake in Relation to Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Men; R.M. Van Dam, et al.; March 2002
- Texas Heart Institute: Heart Disease Risk Factors
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