FATS sonny essential macronutrients and plays a vital role in people’s diet. The importance of fat consumption exceeds their caloric intake, because they are part of cell membranes, help regulate body temperature, support the transport of fat-soluble vitamins, among other functions.
The debate around its consumption is related to diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Considering this, NotiPress REFERENCE Paola shue, nutritionist by profession and manager of corporate business and communication for Latin America since Upfield Latin America, on the consumption of fats, especially those of vegetable origin.
When we talk about lipids, we need to identify those saturated and unsaturated fats. Also, the group of unsaturated is divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. He fat consumption has been demonized in recent times due to the strong relationship between the intake of saturated fat and the development of cardiovascular disease.
In this regard, Shue commented «Not all fats have the same profile, what the scientific evidence shows us today is that if we consume a higher proportion of “healthy” fats, such as mono and polyunsaturated fats, we will contribute to the care of our body. “. There is no scientific information about the damage done to health by consuming healthy fats. If there were, regulators around the world would not allow their use and, therefore, companies around the world would stop incorporating them into food, the specialist explained.
Saturated fats
Among the main sources of foods that contain saturated fats are Coconut oil (84%), cocoa butter (62%), lard (55%) and Palm oil (50%), among others. As for palm oil, it is often replaced by other sources of fat with a higher proportion of saturated fats, such as coconut oil. This responds to the decision of food producers due to numerous criticisms, but they do not always take into account the point of view of science in their analysis.
Shue says, excess saturated fat, such as excess sodium or anything else, can be harmful to health. «Any food or nutrient consumed in excess can cause an imbalance in the human body»And it exemplifies the fact that drinking too much water is also negative for the body. Part of the criticism of vegetable oils is related to the refining process.
A study published on August 26, 2019 by Polytechnic University of Madrid note, «the absence of any statement from the scientific community on the effects of palm oil on consumer health has meant that the message reaches the general public mainly through the media and is often biased and incomplete.«.
Because the importance of the role of fats into the people’s diet, the specialist from Upfield suggests orientationas a tool to decide on a adequate and balanced nutrition, depending on the characteristics of each person. It is not just a question of restricting a certain food group, but of finding a beneficial balance that contributes to people’s well-being.