SCI/241: Understanding Fats And Fiber

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Understand Your Fats and Fiber Samantha Erlitz SCI/241 October 10, 2013 Diana Layne Understand Your Fats and Fiber There are several types of fat, and fat is important to a healthy diet, but in the right quantities. Every gram of fat contains nine calories, regardless of the type of fat you consume. There are also certain fats that are healthier than others and some that are easier to recognize versus hidden fats. “A saturated fatty acid is one in which all the carbons in the fatty acid chain are saturated with hydrogen atoms.” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006) These fats can be most commonly found in animal foods, and dairy products. Unsaturated fats tend to be liquid, and do not contain the hydrogen saturation that the saturated…show more content…
Hydrogenation also extends the shelf life of these fatty acids, and preserves them through better stabilization. “When the hydrogen’s are on opposite sides of the double bond, called the trans configuration, the fatty acid is a trans fatty acid.” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006) Trans fatty acids can increase your risk of heart disease. Saturated and trans fats are considered the worst for your health due to the proven increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, and high cholesterol levels according to the American Heart Association (2010). Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are better for your diet, and contain some of the best fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These lipids can actually help reduce your risk of heart disease, and cholesterol related health…show more content…
Fiber, also known as roughage, contains many properties that aid our digestion tract, and allow us to process waste products more efficiently. According to Nutrition.gov (2013) fiber can be found in many of our favorite foods including whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers dissolve in water, and when digested, “form viscous solutions in the intestines” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006). “Fibers that cannot be digested by bacteria in the large intestines are called insoluble fibers because they do not dissolve in water.” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006) High fiber diets can produce many benefits, including higher nutrient absorption levels, and better waste output. Diets that tend to lack in fiber or are high in insoluble fiber tend to cause gastrointestinal irritation and constipation. People that experience these symptoms should consider reviewing their fiber sources, and water consumption

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