Fats add flavor and a smooth, pleasing texture to foods. Because they take longer to digest, fats continue to let us feel full even after the proteins and carbohydrates have been emptied from the stomach. Fats also stimulate the intestine to release cholecystokinin, a hormone that suppresses the appetite and signals us to stop eating.
Most experts now recommend that adults restrict their total fat intake to no more than 30 percent of each day’s calories :!: . Some authorities believe this number should be lowered to even 20 percent, but others feel this is an unrealistic goal for most people. But everyone should stick to this very recommended intake in order to avoid excessive fat deposition in various body tissues resulting in weight gain, which is the most common outcome of excessive fat intake over a prolonged period of time.
In developing countries fats make up 10 percent of daily calories. In North America daily fat intake has increased from about 30 percent of the daily diet 100 years ago, to 35 to 40 percent today. This is the equivalent of approximately 90 g of pure fat a day and is more than six to eight times what we need. So, what should be the ideal intake??
Most experts now recommend that adults restrict their total fat intake to no more than 30 percent of each day’s calories :!: . Some authorities believe this number should be lowered to even 20 percent, but others feel this is an unrealistic goal for most people. But everyone should stick to this very recommended intake in order to avoid excessive fat deposition in various body tissues resulting in weight gain, which is the most common outcome of excessive fat intake over a prolonged period of time.
Next, we will be talking about the various action plans to reduce fat intake. Users are most welcome to submit their comments and suggestions regarding the same, as well as, their own action plans for reducing fat intake. We would be posting any of them here on request.
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