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2005/03/11, 10:28 AM
I know that you need some fat in your diet, but that it should be "good" fat. I've designed a new diet that's only giving me 8 grams of Saturated Fat daily (or 4% of my daily caloric intake). I believe I'm getting enough of the other fats (around 16% of my total calories is from fat), but is there such a thing as not getting enough saturated fat? With my love of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups I Never thought I'd have to ask that question.
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2005/03/11, 11:21 AM
Yes there is. Some interesting facts...
Saturated fatty acids constitute at least 50% of the cell membranes. They are what gives our cells necessary stiffness and integrity.
They play a vital role in the health of our bones. For calcium to be effectively incorporated into the skeletal structure, at least 50% of the dietary fats should be saturated.38
They lower Lp(a), a substance in the blood that indicates proneness to heart disease.39 They protect the liver from alcohol and other toxins, such as Tylenol.40
They enhance the immune system.41
They are needed for the proper utilization of essential fatty acids. Elongated omega-3 fatty acids are better retained in the tissues when the diet is rich in saturated fats. 42
Saturated 18-carbon stearic acid and 16-carbon palmitic acid are the preferred foods for the heart, which is why the fat around the heart muscle is highly saturated.43 The heart draws on this reserve of fat in times of stress.
Short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids have important antimicrobial properties. They protect us against harmful microorganisms in the digestive tract.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/03/11, 11:26 AM
Fascinating. What sort of percentage should I be targeting for sat fats. (Note: currently I'm doing a 50C,30P,20F diet.)
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2005/03/11, 11:28 AM
Let me steer you toward some excellent reading/research....
http://www.mercola.com/2002/aug/17/saturated_fat1.htm
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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