When we are trying to manage cholesterol levels, we always interested to enjoy low-fat-foods. It is believed that low-fat-foods are essential for a healthy heart and controlling weight. But are these low-fat-foods as good as we think? It is high time to know the truth behind these food products.
If you go to any supermarket, you will find plenty of low-fat-food items available in the market. Lots of fat-free desserts, low-fat biscuits and calorie-counted ready meals are available for you. But the fact is our waist-lines keep getting bigger. Even though our shopping cart is full of these guilt-free foods, we are gaining more weight day by day.
We all are concern about our health and try to improve our heart health. It is told that we need to reduce the amount of saturated fat in our diets. We all are trying to decrease the consumption of red meat and full-fat dairy products. Fat can indeed supply more calories than carbohydrates. Especially saturated fat can create obstacles in our arteries and sometimes increase cholesterol levels.
In this situation, the food industry replaces the animal fat with unsaturated vegetable oils. They have altered the structure of vegetable oil such a way that it could be used in the place of solid fats. For this purpose, food products need to perform a process called hydrogenation. Unfortunately, the fat produced by hydrogenation can increase the levels of trans-fat. Trans-fat can be dangerous for our heart health. It is also responsible to increase the cholesterol level of our body.
Furthermore, manufacturers are trying to alter the oils to produce the low-fat-foods. They increase the amount of sugar in their low-fat products to ensure the same taste and texture. As a result, the low-fat foods products are containing similar calories as original products. Those food items are as unhealthy as a high-fat diet. These refined carbs and sugars increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cholesterol levels. So it is wise to know the bittersweet truth behind the low-fat-food items.
We all need some level of fat in our daily diet. Fats are necessary not only for making our food tastier but also for providing essential fatty acids. Good fats are important to maintain healthy blood vessels and to correct the functioning of our nervous system. Fats also help us to absorb certain vitamins.
Always make sure that you are getting good fats. Eat more fish, nuts, and seeds that are effective sources of good fats. You can use more salmon instead of bacon or try unsalted nuts to prepare your snacks. Replace mayo with plain yogurt and avoid frying instead of steam or bake your food items. Thus you can enjoy the good fats and keep yourself healthy.