Identify Bad Fats In Products By Reading Labeling Information

Identify Bad Fats In Products By Reading Labeling Information

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Anyone undertaking a weight loss program, whether it be Jenny Crai, Weight Watchers, the CSIRO diet or any number of others will be advised to reduce the amount of fat being consumed on a daily basis. This is because, unless this fat is burnt up through activity, which is very difficult in our sedentary society, it will be stored on the body and accumulate over time. Excess fat stored in the body can lead to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and many other health problems that reduce mobility and cause a reduction in the quality of life. Simple things like climbing stairs or mowing the lawn become very difficult.

Nutrition panels found on food packaging disclose details about the food's nutritional contents and the amount or portion represented based on certain dietary requirements. Besides showing the approximate amount of fats per serving, the panel provides such information in two categories - saturated and unsaturated fats.

What one must be aware of is how each of these fats differ from the other, and what good and bad effects they bring to the body. Saturated fats are found predominately in butter, dairy products, fatty meats, fried take-away food and many of our processed foods. A diet high in saturated fats can increase LDL or "bad" cholesterol in the blood which is a major factor in coronary heart disease. Moderation in overall fat intake and reduction of saturated fat consumption can help in avoiding these types of diseases.

Monounsaturated fats are actually helpful to have in the diet as they held lower blood cholesterol. They are found in olive, canola and macadamia oils, nuts, avocados and monounsaturated margarine. Not to be confused with the one just mentioned, polyunsaturated fats are essential to good health as they provide the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids essential to the proper functioning of the brain. Sunflower, sesame, soy and safflower oils are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and oily fish such as salmon, sardines, other sea foods as well as canola oil are excellent sources of omega-6 fatty acids.

This is a quick overview of a complex subject, but if consumers remember to look at the nutrition panel on the food products before they place them into plastic bags, they can start taking control of their health by reducing the daily intake of saturated fats. Consciously choosing products with low levels of saturated fat will assist any diet and exercise regime to show reasonably quick results.

There is really no excuse for consumers not knowing this information other than a lack of understanding and interest. The detail has been provided on most packaging for anyone to read and it then becomes the responsibility of the individual to decide which product to choose.

About the Author:
The information on food packaging is subject to regulation so Dabron Packaging http://www.dabron.com.au/  is careful to ensure that their products are correctly labelled. They also manufacture a line of plastic bags Brisbane for their clients who like to use them as marketing tools.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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