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Author: Amanda
Date: 03-06-03 14:00
I have been eating a lot of almonds and other healthy nuts, and my fats seemed a little high. So I looked for more information on all the fats to see what is 'better' for you. This is what I found out.
Fat should account for 30% or less of the calories consumed daily, with saturated fats accounting for no more than 10% of the total fat intake. Fats are a concentrated form of energy which help maintain body temperature, and protect body tissues and organs. Fat also plays an essential role in carrying the four fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K. Excess calories from protein and carbohydrates are converted to and stored as fat. Even if you are eating mostly "fat free" foods, excess consumption will result in additional body fat. Fat calories in food are readily stored, while it takes energy to transform protein and carbohydrates to body fat. The only proven way to reduce body fat is to burn more calories than one consumes.
• Saturated Fat tends to increase blood cholesterol levels. Most saturated fats tend to be solid at room temperature, with the exception of tropical oils. It is found mostly in meat and dairy products, as well as some vegetable oils, such as coconut and palm oils (tropical oils). Butter is high in saturated fat, while margarine tends to have more unsaturated fat.
• Polyunsaturated Fat tends to lower blood cholesterol levels. It is found mostly in plant sources. (safflower, sunflower, soybean, corn, cottonseed).
• Monounsaturated Fat tends to lower LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol). It is found in both plant and animal products, such as olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and in some plant foods such as avocado.
With this information I have decided to try and get HALF of my fat in as Mono or Poly fats. I am currently TRYING to hit 40% protein, 30% carbs and 30% fat.
For instance, so far today I have had..
TOTAL Fat: 25g, 227 cal 38%
Sat: 5g, 43 cal 7%
Poly: 6g, 52 cal 9%
Mono: 11g, 98 cal 16%
Carbs: 42 145 24%
Protein: 57 227 38%
So, bottom line, I am taking in 25% good fat out of 38%...not bad. When people say almonds have too much fat--remember to look at what KIND of fat it is.
Thanks for letting me sound off.
Amanda
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Author: stacy
Date: 03-06-03 14:13
seeing as you appear to be a bit of a health nut, no pun intended. Do you have any advice on healthy alternative cook books? I am a pretty picky, but a healthy eater and was looking for a new cook book. I eat a lot of vegies and chicken, but not much else in terms of meat.
I give you a lot of credit for looking up info all that info. I love nuts as a snack and found the information interesting.
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