The Dangers of Excessive Polyunsaturated
Fats in the Diet
An anti-saturated fat campaign has
been waging for years, but perhaps consideration ought to be given to other
dietary fats, which in some ways exceed the health risks.
The conventional view is that any
unsaturated fat is better for health than saturated fat. Subsequent research
has proved that it is not so simple.
What is Unsaturated Fat?
Saturated fat is solid at room
temperature, and derives from animal sources such as meat and dairy.
Unsaturated fat is mostly liquid at room temperature. Most unsaturated fats are
derived from vegetables, nuts and seeds.
 |
| The Question of Polyunsaturated or Monounsaturated Fat |
What is Polyunsaturated fat?
Unsaturated fats can be further
divided into two types:
Monounsaturated fat. This fat is
derived from nuts and seeds. Examples include olive oil, flaxseed oil and
walnut oil.
Polyunsaturated fat. This fat is known as vegetable oil. Examples
include sunflower oil, soybean oil and corn oil.
Although both types of fats are
liquid at room temperature and are therefore classed as oils, they both have
very different impacts upon health.
The Dietary Fats That Raise
Cholesterol and Encourage Heart Disease
All fatty acids consist of carbon
chains of fatty acids. These fatty acids are linked together by “double bonds.”
The monounsaturated fats are linked by a single double bond, hence, “mono.”
These links are stable and are therefore not highly reactive within the body.
Polyunsaturated fats are linked
together by multiple double bonds, hence “poly.” This means that the chains are
less stable and could react within the tissues of the body like free radicals.
Fats That Oxidizes Cholesterol
 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cold Pressed is best for heatlh |
The danger to the body is the
instability of the polyunsaturated fat, which is highly reactive within the
cells. The effect this has is akin to the oxidizing effect that oxygen has upon
metal, turning it to rust. Oxidized cholesterol causes the platelets of the
blood to stick together and the LDL cholesterol to “rust.” It is this that
damages the arteries and hardens the walls, so hindering blood flow.
How Too Little Omega-3 and Too
Much Omega 6 Causes Inflammation in the Body
Because polyunsaturated fats are
highly reactive, it causes inflammatory reactions within the body too.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, the traditional Western
diet contains far too much omega 6, which is present in polyunsaturated oils.
In small amounts, omega 6 is beneficial to health. However, too much in the
long run will contribute to heart disease, arthritis, cancer and depression.
The inflammatory effect of too much omega 6 also suppresses the body’s immune
system.
Vegetable Oil That is Not a
Healthy Alternative to Saturated Fat
Not so long ago, vegetable oil was
thought to be a healthy alternative to saturated fat. Subsequent research has
painted a very different picture. Sunflower oil still is a popular choice for
cooking. However, using olive oil at a low temperature is a healthier alternative.
In the long run, this will help prevent heart disease, strokes and raised
cholesterol.
