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Fat

From DrKoop's partner site on diet and exercise, MyDietExercise.com
InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Overview Food Sources Side Effects Recommendations Prevention
Calories and fat per serving
Calories and fat per serving
Healthy diet
Healthy diet
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids
Cholesterol production is stimulated by saturated fats like butter, cheese, other animal products, and tropical oils.
Saturated fats
Trans-fatty acids
Trans-fatty acids
Alternative Names

Saturated fat; Diet - fat; Polyunsaturated fat; Monounsaturated fat; Lipids


Side Effects

Eating too much saturated fat is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. A diet high in saturated fat causes a soft, waxy substance called cholesterol to build up in the arteries. Too much fat also increases the risk of heart disease because of its high calorie content, which increases the chance of becoming obese (another risk factor for heart disease and some types of cancer).

A large intake of polyunsaturated fat may increase the risk for some types of cancer. Reducing daily fat intake is not a guarantee against developing cancer or heart disease, but it does help reduce the risk factors.


Review Date: 11/07/2006
Reviewed By: Patrika M. Tsai, MD, MPH, Specialist in Nutrition, Foster City, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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