Fats and Cholesterol

Term Paper # 102426

Medical and Health > Nutrition and Exercise
Nutrition > Exercise
Nutrition > Food

An analysis of the positive benefits of fats and cholesterol in our diet, as well as the harmful aspects of an imbalance of either of them.

1,827 words () | 10 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses fats in the diet of human beings and how they relate to cholesterol. It looks at the reasons why fats are a necessary part of our diet and also looks at the positive aspects of cholesterol. The paper then focuses on physical ailments and disorders that are associated with an imbalance in any of these. Finally, the paper discusses how we can mitigate and reverse the effects of too much fat and how to lead to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

From the Paper:

"Fats are a necessary part of our diet. They are necessary for organ function, the protection of the body, and for energy storage and vitamin processing. Cholesterol is also necessary (both HDL and LDL). But, there are a host of physical ailments and disorders that are associated with an imbalance in any of these. Too little fat and the cells fail to function, too much and obesity, CVD and diabetes occur. Too little cholesterol and the body can't transport blood-borne nutrients, too much and the veins get clogged and heart attack and stroke follow. By increasing the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids and reducing saturated and trans-fats, by increasing exercise and taking beneficial supplements where appropriate, it is then possible for people to mitigate and reverse the effects of too much fat, and to lead to a healthy diet and lifestyle."

Sample of Sources Used:

Bourre, Jean-Marie. "Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Women". Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2007, p1-8. Science Direct Online Database. Date of Access: March 8, 2007.
Calder, Philip C. "Long-Chain n-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: Further Evidence and Insights". Nutrition Research 2004, v24, p761-772. Science Direct Online Database. Date of Access: March 8, 2007
Domingo, Jose; Bocio, Ana; Falco, Gemma & Llobet, Juan. "Benefits and Risks of Fish Consumption, Part I. A Quantitative Analysis of the Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Chemical Contaminants". Toxicology. 2007, v230, p219-226.
Goldberg, Robert & Katz, Joel. "A Meta-Analysis of the analgesic effects of Omega-3 poluynsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain". Pain. 2007. Science Direct Online Database. Date of Access: March 8, 2007.
Harper, Charles R. & Jacobson, Terry A. "Usefulness of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease". The American Journal of Cardiology. 2005. Science Direct Online Database. Date of Access: March 8, 2007