Unit 2: Chapter 5 Questions

1.  Does dietary fat turn into body fat?

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, limiting consumption of dietary fats has not been shown to correlate strongly with weight gain or weight loss.

• Sources: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/67/3/556S/4666072

2.  What is trans fat?

Trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, are "double trouble for your heart health", according to the Mayo Clinic. Not only do trans fat raise bad cholesterol levels, but these bad fats are also known to lower good cholesterol levels.  This is bad because it majorly increases the risk a person has of getting coronary artery disease, among other things. "In the body, trans-fatty acids behave more like saturated fats, increasing blood cholesterol and the risk of heart disease" (textbook, page 139).

The FDA has made it official:  Trans fats are bad and companies aren't allowed to use them anymore.  The government has banned trans fats and has given companies from 2015 to 2018 to figure out how to get the trans fats out of their products.  That means that as of now, few companies should still be using more than trace amounts of trans fats in products.

• Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/trans-fat/art-20046114
• https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/understanding-trans-fats

3.  What are good sources of healthy fats?

According to the textbook on page 153, it's a good idea to replace bad sources of fat with good sources, including seafood, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.  One excellent source of healthy fat is the avocado.  This fatty fruit is delicious in a sandwich.

4.  What purpose do healthy fats serve the body?

Not all fats are bad to eat.  There are some fats that actually are essential and help keep a person healthy.  "Most people are surprised to learn that fat has virtues and that a well-balanced diet needs at least a little fat" (textbook, page 133).

Fats "provide energy, insulate against temperature extremes, protect against shock, and maintain cell membranes" (textbook, page 148).

5.  What are some foods to avoid that might contain unhealthy fats?

There are some foods that contain a high amount of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.   The textbook lists a few on page 153.  Bacon is top of the list.  Thankfully, I'm not a huge bacon eater.  I do like butter though and that is high on the list.  I am not sure how I would feel about cutting that out of my diet entirely.  I don't know of any suitable alternatives.  All things in moderation, I guess.  I don't know what else to do about it.