The fats son essential macronutrients and play a vital role in people’s diet. The importance of fat consumption extends beyond their caloric intake, as they are part of cell membranes, help regulate body temperature, support the transport of fat-soluble vitamins, among other functions.
The debate round its consumption is related to diseases such as obesity and diabetes. This given, NotiPress consulted Paola shue, nutritionist by profession and corporate affairs and communications manager for Latin America Upfield Latinoamérica, on the consumption of fats, especially those of vegetable origin.
When we talk about lipids, those saturated and unsaturated fats must be identified. The unsaturated group is also divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. He fat consumption has been demonized in recent times because of the strong relationship between the intake of saturated fat and the development of cardiovascular disease.
In this regard, Shue said «Not all fats have the same profile, what scientific evidence shows us today is that if we consume more ‘healthy’ fats every day, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, we will contribute to the care of our body ». There is no scientific information about the health damage caused by eating healthy fats. If they existed, regulatory agencies around the world would not allow their use and so companies around the world would stop including them in food, the specialist explained.
Saturated fats
One of the most important sources of foods containing saturated fat is the coconut oil (84%), cocoa butter (62%), pork fat (55%) and palm oil (50%), among others. Compared to palm oil, it is often replaced by other fat sources with a higher saturated fat content, such as coconut oil. This is in response to the decision of food manufacturers as a result of numerous criticisms, but they do not always consider the scientific point of view in their analysis.
Shue says, the excess saturated fat, such as excess sodium or anything else, can be harmful to health. «Any food or nutrient that is consumed in excess can cause an imbalance in the human body»And illustrates 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 the Polytechnic University of Madrid remarks, “The lack of any statement by the scientific community on the effects of palm oil on consumer health has resulted in the message reaching the general public mainly through the media and is often biased and incomplete«.
Because of the importance of the role of fats in the people’s diet, the specialist of Upfield suggests the orientationas an aid to decide on one sufficient and balanced nutrition, according to the characteristics of each person. It’s not just about limiting a particular food group, but about finding a favorable balance that contributes to the diet wellbeing of people.