Understand Your Fats and Fiber Essay Example for Free

Understand Your Fats and Fiber Essay Trans fatty acids are seen on ingredient labels as â€Å"partially hydrogenated oils†. Hydrogenated fats are considered as trans fats because these fats have been created in an industrial process. Trans-fatty acids are harmful because they raise the bad or LDL cholesterol levels and lower the HDL or good cholesterol levels in our bodies. They also increase the risk of heart disease and strokes and have also been associated with developing type 2 diabetes. Unsaturated fats are found in fish, nuts, seeds, and oils from plants, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are two unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are good for the body because they help lower blood cholesterol levels. Fiber helps normalize bowel movements, maintain bowel integrity and health, lowers blood cholesterol levels, helps control blood sugar levels, aid in weight loss, and may even reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Lipids are also known as cholesterol that is a component found in blood fats. Dietary fiber can be found fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Dietary fibers are commonly classified into two categories, insoluble fiber (don’t dissolve in water), and soluble fiber (those that do dissolve in water). A diet high in fiber decreases the chance of constipation by producing a stool that bulky and easy to pass. High fiber in the diet may lower the risk of developing hemorrhoids, and diverticular disease (small pouches in colon). Soluble fiber that can be found in beans, oats, and flaxseed may help lower bad cholesterol levels and can slow the absorption of sugar and this can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Adding more fiber to your diet can also help with weight loss. References Fats 101. (2012).