Fats in the American Diet Essay -- Essays Papers

Fats in the American Diet There has been a myth in our society for the last few decades about fats. Ever since the USDA created the food pyramid in the early 80’s, the feeling towards fats has been that all types are bad for one’s health and should be consumed at a minimum. However, more recent studies have shown that not all fats are detrimental, and some are necessary in maintaining healthy bodies. Certain types are helpful for reducing the risk of cancer, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Without fats the body could not absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K because they help move the supplements into the bloodstream where the vitamins get absorbed (Graham par. 2). Simple actions like a regular consumption of nuts, helps aid in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes 2 (Medical Update par. 6). There are many different types of fats in our diet. Monounsaturated and Omega-3 and 6 fats are the healthiest forms, while saturated and trans-fats are the worst kinds. While a gram of any type of fa t contains the same amount of calories (nine per gram) the health benefits are definitely not equal (Good, Bad Fats par. 1). This paper will look into the different types of fats and their impact both positively and negatively on the individual. It will provide information on popular diets, and a look into the current USDA’s food pyramid which is under pressure to be reevaluated. Nutritional ingredients in foods that people consume on a regular basis will also be examined. Within the past few years a new commercial fat product developed by Proctor & Gamble has been developed. This commodity is called olestra and it has been surrounded by controversy. This raises the issue of whether government should be involved in any of the health de... ... Aug2003, Vol. 237 Issue 2 - â€Å"Heart Smart Advice Updated for 2000: More Fat. But Make it ‘Mono’ Please† by Golub, Catherine, Environmental Nutrition, Jul99, Vol. 22, Issue 7 - Hellmich, Nancy. â€Å"Atkins, South Beach, or Dr. Phil? An expert rates the books.† USA Today 15 Jan. 2004. - â€Å"Monounsaturated fat Appears Protective against Breast Cancer†, Women’s Health Weekly, 01/19/98 - â€Å"New Food Labels Help Consumers avoid the Worst Fats.† Consumer Reports, Dec. 2003 - â€Å"A New Healthy Food Pyramid† Medical Update (source included in back, no other info) - â€Å"The New Rules of Fat†, By: Schuler, Lou, Men’s Health, Nov2002, Vol. 17, Issue 9. - Sienko, Michell J. and Robert A. Plane. 1966 chemistry: Principles and Properties. McGraw-Hill Co., NY. - Stanton, Michele. â€Å"The Atkins Diet Reconsidered.† Prevention, Jan. 2003, Vol. 55, Issue 1 Fats in the American Diet Essay -- Essays Papers Fats in the American Diet There has been a myth in our society for the last few decades about fats. Ever since the USDA created the food pyramid in the early 80’s, the feeling towards fats has been that all types are bad for one’s health and should be consumed at a minimum. However, more recent studies have shown that not all fats are detrimental, and some are necessary in maintaining healthy bodies. Certain types are helpful for reducing the risk of cancer, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Without fats the body could not absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K because they help move the supplements into the bloodstream where the vitamins get absorbed (Graham par. 2). Simple actions like a regular consumption of nuts, helps aid in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes 2 (Medical Update par. 6). There are many different types of fats in our diet. Monounsaturated and Omega-3 and 6 fats are the healthiest forms, while saturated and trans-fats are the worst kinds. While a gram of any type of fa t contains the same amount of calories (nine per gram) the health benefits are definitely not equal (Good, Bad Fats par. 1). This paper will look into the different types of fats and their impact both positively and negatively on the individual. It will provide information on popular diets, and a look into the current USDA’s food pyramid which is under pressure to be reevaluated. Nutritional ingredients in foods that people consume on a regular basis will also be examined. Within the past few years a new commercial fat product developed by Proctor & Gamble has been developed. This commodity is called olestra and it has been surrounded by controversy. This raises the issue of whether government should be involved in any of the health de... ... Aug2003, Vol. 237 Issue 2 - â€Å"Heart Smart Advice Updated for 2000: More Fat. But Make it ‘Mono’ Please† by Golub, Catherine, Environmental Nutrition, Jul99, Vol. 22, Issue 7 - Hellmich, Nancy. â€Å"Atkins, South Beach, or Dr. Phil? An expert rates the books.† USA Today 15 Jan. 2004. - â€Å"Monounsaturated fat Appears Protective against Breast Cancer†, Women’s Health Weekly, 01/19/98 - â€Å"New Food Labels Help Consumers avoid the Worst Fats.† Consumer Reports, Dec. 2003 - â€Å"A New Healthy Food Pyramid† Medical Update (source included in back, no other info) - â€Å"The New Rules of Fat†, By: Schuler, Lou, Men’s Health, Nov2002, Vol. 17, Issue 9. - Sienko, Michell J. and Robert A. Plane. 1966 chemistry: Principles and Properties. McGraw-Hill Co., NY. - Stanton, Michele. â€Å"The Atkins Diet Reconsidered.† Prevention, Jan. 2003, Vol. 55, Issue 1