Fat, Food and Your Health

The Truth About The Dreaded F-Word

By Lisamarie Sanders

Fat. The mere sound of the word strikes fear in the hearts of millions. But heart disease isn't the only illness linked to a high-fat diet. Stroke, several types of cancers and even poor eyesight may be caused by consuming too much of it.

Since the late 1980s, fats have become the enemy. Early research indicated that fat increased cholesterol, which was a known risk factor for heart disease. These studies have led grocery stores to pack their shelves with no-fat and low-fat products. Many consumers have been avoiding all fats whenever possible.

However, some types of dietary fat are actually essential for good health. They increase your energy, keep your hair and skin soft and healthy, fight depression and may actually reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Fats are required to make hormones in our bodies and to facilitate cell growth. Vitamins A, D, E and K need fat to be absorbed into the blood stream. And, according to Micheline Hansen, dietitian for Albertson's grocery chain, "It's the fat in your diet that helps you feel full and balances your blood sugar."

Before discussing the types of fat, it is important to briefly discuss cholesterol. Cholesterol is the main villain in heart health, and dietary fat is directly related to cholesterol levels in the blood. High levels are associated with increased risk of arteriosclerosis and other heart diseases. However, as with fat, there are good and bad cholesterols.

LDL, formally known as low-density lipoprotein, is the bad cholesterol. "Think of the L as Lousy and Lethal," suggests Dr. K.C. Hayes, nutritional researcher in lipids for 35 years.

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