Why is it important to reduce fat intake?

When eaten in large amounts, all fats, including healthy fats, can contribute to weight gain. Fat is higher in energy (kilojoules) than any other nutrient and so eating less fat overall is likely to help with weight loss. Eating less saturated and trans fats may help lower your risk of heart disease.

Why should you limit your intake of fats and sugar?

Too many people eat too much saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol. Even reducing these by small amounts can make us healthier. It can help us manage our weight better and reduce our risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers and chronic kidney disease.

What is the purpose of fat?

The body uses fat as a fuel source, and fat is the major storage form of energy in the body. Fat also has many other important functions in the body, and a moderate amount is needed in the diet for good health. Fats in food come in several forms, including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.

Why is it important for athletes to limit their fat intake?

In order for athletes to meet their energy needs, they must consume sufficient calories. If energy needs are not met, fat and lean body tissue will be used as fuel by the body. This will cause a loss of strength and endurance. Furthermore, immune, endocrine, and musculoskeletal function will be compromised.

Why is it important to limit the amount of salt you eat?

Salt intake of less than 5 grams per day for adults helps to reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and coronary heart attack. The principal benefit of lowering salt intake is a corresponding reduction in high blood pressure.

How much fat should we consume daily?

Total fat. The dietary reference intake (DRI) for fat in adults is 20\% to 35\% of total calories from fat. That is about 44 grams to 77 grams of fat per day if you eat 2,000 calories a day. It is recommended to eat more of some types of fats because they provide health benefits.

How do fats affect exercise?

This increased capacity to utilize energy from fat conserves crucial muscle and liver glycogen stores and can contribute to increased endurance. Further benefits of the enhanced lipid metabolism accompanying chronic aerobic exercise training are decreased cardiac risk factors.

What would happen if you eat too much saturated fat?

Eating too much saturated fats in your diet can raise “bad” LDL cholesterol in your blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. “Good” HDL cholesterol has a positive effect by taking cholesterol from parts of the body where there’s too much of it to the liver, where it’s disposed of.