Fats and Oils found in Guyana

Fats and Oils

While fats and oils are part of a healthy diet, heart health is dependent on the type of fat we consume. Equally important is the total amount of fat intake from our diet.

Sources

Almond, walnut, cashew, peanut, coconut and flaxseed oils, salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines, corn, soybean, avocado, processed foods, bakery goods, chips, fast food, butter, lard, full fat dairy products

Advantages

·         Aids in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins, i.e. A, D, E and K.

·         Adds flavour to food and gives a feeling of fullness after meals.

·         Provides a protective layer for vital organs and helps regulate body temperature.

·         Unsaturated fats decrease levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body.

·         Omega-3 fatty acids increase good cholesterol (HDL), promote good cardiovascular health, play a role in brain function and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

 

Disadvantages

·         Saturated and trans fats increase levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. In addition, trans fat also lowers levels of good cholesterol (HDL). This increase in LDL and decrease in HDL contributes to the hardening of arteries and increases the risk of heart disease.

·         Consuming more than recommended amounts can lead to weight gain and put you at risk for hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease.

·         High levels of omega-6 in the diet can increase your risk for the development of some cancers, e.g., breast cancer.

·         Increases risk of insulin resistance.  

 

References

What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Eating Fats? (n.d.). Live Healthy-Chron.Com.

Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://livehealthy.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-

eating-fats-1331.html

Nix, S. (2016). Chapter 3. In Williams' basic nutrition and diet therapy: (pp. 31–32). essay, Elsevier.

Roth, R. A. (2011). Chapter 2. In Nutrition & Diet therapy (pp. 25–26). essay, Delmar/CENGAGE Learning.