The world is facing a health crisis that is affecting millions of people. It is a silent epidemic that is slowly causing havoc in the form of deadly fats. According to WHO, 5 billion people are affected by this global epidemic.
Unhealthy diets and modern lifestyle choices are the culprits of this epidemic. The consumption of food that is high in fats and sugars has become a norm.
Fast foods, processed foods, sugary drinks, and snacks contain ingredients that lead to the accumulation of bad fats. The fats that are not healthy for our bodies increase the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions.
Types of Deadly Fats
Not all fats are bad for our bodies. Healthy fats are necessary for the body to function correctly. These fats are present in nuts, seeds, olive oil, and other vegetable oils. On the other hand, unhealthy fats are the types that lead to health problems.
The following are the two types of fats:.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are commonly found in animals and animal products such as meat, butter, cream, whole milk, cheese, and eggs. They are also found in some vegetable oils such as coconut and palm oil.
These fats increase the level of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that accumulates in the walls of the arteries and leads to narrowing and blockages, reducing blood flow to the heart and other organs.
This can cause heart diseases and other health problems.
Trans Fats
Trans fats are artificially made by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them solid at room temperature. This process is known as hydrogenation. Trans fats increase the shelf life of food and improve its texture and taste.
Trans fats are commonly found in processed foods such as biscuits, cakes, chips, and fried foods. They increase the level of bad cholesterol in the body, cause inflammation and other health problems.
They are more dangerous than saturated fats and increase the risk of heart diseases by up to 50 percent.
Health Risks of Deadly Fats
The accumulation of deadly fats leads to several health risks. The following are some of the health risks associated with the consumption of unhealthy fats:.
Heart Diseases
Heart diseases are the leading cause of death globally. The accumulation of bad fats in the body leads to the formation of plaque in the walls of arteries. This reduces the blood flow to the heart, causing heart attacks and strokes.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that occurs when the body cannot produce or use insulin correctly. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
The consumption of unhealthy fats can cause insulin resistance, making the body unable to regulate blood sugar levels correctly.
Obesity
Obesity is a condition in which the body accumulates too much fat. The consumption of sugary foods and unhealthy fats increases the calories in the body, leading to obesity.
Obesity is a risk factor for several health problems such as heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
How to Avoid Deadly Fats
It is essential to avoid unhealthy fats to prevent health problems. The following are some tips to avoid deadly fats:.
Eat Healthy Fats
Eat healthy fats that are found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. These fats help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Avoid Processed Foods
Avoid processed foods that contain unhealthy fats such as chips, biscuits, and cakes. These foods are high in calories and can cause obesity and other health problems.
Read Food Labels
Read food labels to identify if the food contains unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fats. Avoid foods that contain these types of fats.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps reduce the risk of health problems associated with the accumulation of bad fats. Exercise helps reduce inflammation, reduce cholesterol levels and prevent obesity.
Avoid Sugary Drinks
Avoid sugary drinks such as sodas and energy drinks. These drinks contain high amounts of sugar, which causes health problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart diseases. Instead, drink water, unsweetened teas or low-fat milk.
Conclusion
Deadly fats are a global epidemic that affects 5 billion people worldwide. The consumption of unhealthy fats leads to several health problems such as heart diseases, diabetes, and obesity.
It is essential to avoid unhealthy fats by eating healthy fats, avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks, reading food labels and exercising regularly. By following these tips, we can prevent the risk of health problems and improve our overall health.