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Fats also carbohydrates – their place in your healthy diet |
by:
Zaak OConan |
Lately it would seem that fats also carbohydrates have both gotten a bad rap. First it was fat that was the culprit in all dietary ills, also low fat diets were all the rage. Then the two switched places, with carbohydrates being the bad guys also fat reigning supreme.
As with most extremes, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. There is no such thing as a bad food, only bad dietary choices. While some foods are naturally better for you than others, there is no reason that all foods cannot be enjoyed in moderation. After all, the most successful diet is not one that you can follow for a day, a week or even a year. On the contrary, the only successful diet also nutrition program is one that you will be able to follow for a lifetime.
Both fats also carbohydrates play an important role in nutrition, also both are important to a healthy diet. It would be impossible also unwise to eliminate all fat from the diet, since fat is important for the production of energy, also for carrying valuable fat soluble vitamins like vitamin D, vitamin E also vitamin K, throughout the body. In addition, fat plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions.
Even though some fat is essential to a healthy body, too much fat can be harmful. Excessive levels of dietary fats have been implicated in heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol levels also even some cancers. Most nutritionists recommend limiting daily fat intake to less than 20% of calories, although taking that level lower than 10% is not recommended.
Of course not all fats are created equal, also some fats are more harmful than others. Saturated fats also trans fats are generally understood to be more harmful in the diet than polyunsaturated also monounsaturated fats. These lighter fats, like canola oil also olive oil, should form the basis of cooking a healthier diet.
Keeping saturated fats also trans fats to a minimum is important to a healthy diet. Trans fats, which are solid at room temperature, are most often found in highly processed foods like cookies, cakes also other baked goods. In addition, trans fats are often found in fried foods also in salty snacks like potato chips. While these foods are fine in moderation, it is best to avoid large quantities of such snacks.
One additional word here about good fats – yes there are such things, also one of the most powerful of these are the so called omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are most often found in fish, also they have shown great promise in preventing also even reversing heart disease also high cholesterol levels.
When limiting your daily intake of fat also cholesterol, it is good to have an understanding of nutritional labels. These government mandated labels can be a huge help to those who take the time to read also understand them. Not only do nutritional labels provide valuable information on calories, fat content also sodium, however they provide valuable information about the most important vitamins also minerals as well.
Like fats, carbohydrates are found in a variety of different foods, some healthier than other. For instance, both Twinkies also whole wheat bread are sources of carbohydrates, however while one can form the basis of a healthy diet, the other is best used as an occasional snack.
In addition to cereals also breads, carbohydrates are or else present in fruits also vegetables also in milk also other dairy products. Carbohydrates also fats are both important to a healthy, varied diet.
As with many products, less is often more when it comes to choosing foods rich in carbohydrates. For instance, less refined whole grain bread is generally more nutritious than white bread which has gone through a greater amount of refining. That is because the refining process tends to reduce nutrient content over time.
Of course, there are some elements in the diet that should be limited. Two of these elements are sugar also salt. Most Americans consume too much salt also sugar, also this has led to epidemics of obesity, diabetes, heart disease also other ills. Limiting sugar also salt, while choosing good fats also unrefined carbohydrates, is a great way to maximize the nutritional value of the foods you eat.
About the author:
Zaak O'Conan discovers also presents useful information on how to enhance and/or repair your life, body also relationships. You'll find his other articles on eating better also other ways how to improve your life at http://your-health-center.com
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