Let's face it everyone... Lipids are to die for. LITERALLY!
Lipids are naturally occurring organic materials that are essential to a person to perform natural bodily functions. They are the facilitators in transporting fat soluble vitamins, cushion organs such as the heart and kidneys. They also provide the body with long term energy storage (about 4000kJ per 100g). Saturated Fats, or as i like to call them, "fatty fats," are found mainly in animal products such as meat, butter, and cheese. They are also found in coconut and palm oils. These type of fats, more than anything else found in the diet, cause high levels of negative cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Let's be honest, most of us often crave fast and easy foods, making runs to your nearest Micky D's, or even those tempting late night snacks. All of these things are wonderful and delicious, but may have serious long-term effects. Consuming lipids on a regular basis for a long period of time may lead to weight gain, eventual obesity, and even Coronary Heart Disease. All of these are results from intake of energy in excess of recommended daily amounts, which is 15-25g in adults.
Any way you look at it, lipids are bad for you. But by cutting back on them and living a healthy lifestyle, you will be able to live a long a fruitful life. If giving up lipids entirely is not one of the things at the top of your diet priorities (which would very well eliminate the risk of high cholesterol and CHD), there are alternatives. In order to properly regulate your fat intake and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your body in good condition you can eat foods with high levels of fiber. This will allow your digestive system to work properly, thus excreting the unnecessary fats and cholesterol in your body. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to reducing deaths related to cardiovascular disease, based on a study conducted in Cardiff, Wales.
If you keep an eye on your saturated fat intake and lead a healthy lifestyle you may soon find yourself saying something like this...
An interesting look into the science of lipids:
Hyperlinks: For a further look into the consumption of too many lipids and CHD
What an interesting article, Chris. Are there any positive functions of lipids?
ReplyDelete-Caroline Langley
Caroline, lipids can be bad but they can have positive functions as well. While they are not good for short term energy storage, they are twice as effective as carbohydrates when storing energy long term. They are also great thermal insulators. They do a great job of retaining our bodies' heat. Because lipids are buoyant it is easier for humans to stay afloat in water. Also, they can even be used as protection for organs in the body. They provide and extra layer of cushioning. Overall lipids are helpful to humans, they're ony dangerous when over consumed.
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