Tutorial 3: Understanding Fatty Foods

Fat is a crucial nutrient in our diet, providing energy, helping absorb vitamins, and playing a key role in building cell membranes and nerve sheaths. However, not all fats are created equal, and consuming too much of certain types can lead to health issues:

1. 
   Trans Fats: These are byproducts of a process called hydrogenation, used to turn healthy oils into solids and prevent them from becoming rancid. Trans fats increase harmful LDL cholesterol, reduce beneficial HDL cholesterol, and contribute to inflammation, which i linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
2. Saturated Fats: Commonly found in red meat, dairy foods, and some processed foods, consuming more than the recommended amount of saturated fat is linked to heart disease and high cholesterol.
3. Overconsumption: All fats, including healthy ones, are high in energy (kilojoules). Consuming too much fat can lead to weight gain, obesity, and associated health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

Reducing fat intake, particularly trans and saturated fats, can help manage weight, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

It's important to remember that some fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are beneficial for health and should be included in a balanced diet.

Quiz

3.1 Q&A. What are the two types of fats?

3.2 Q&A. Identify four positives about fats in our diet.

3.3 Solve the puzzle of the scientific process. [ H_____________ ] turns healthy oils into solids and prevents them from becoming rancid.

Extended Exercises

Complete this sentence: Consuming too much fat can lead to  … 

Chapter Modules

3.1 Recommended Daily Intake for Fatty Foods

3.2 Reducing Fat in the Diet
3.3 Healthy Fats
3.4 Animal vs Plant-based Fats
3.5 Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

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