Harmful Side Effects of Fats.

After having read the  Benefits of Fats, it is necessary to know whether fats can be harmful and if so, what damage fats can cause to our health. As long as discretion is shown in eating fats, fats do not pose any health problem. There are 3 types of fats :-  Saturated fats, Unsaturated Fats and Trans fats. As explained in previous posts under the same name, the benefits and harm these fats can cause have to be borne in mind. Reading these three articles will help you in eating the right amount and type of fats and will help you to stay away from these harmful effects of the bad fats.

It is interesting to note that 2/3 of the American population is over weight. Of these, 1/3 are obese. Bad stats!

Bad Effects of Fats on Health.

1) Fat cells cause secretion of extra estrogen. Higher levels of estrogen in blood cause testosterone levels to fall. This gives rise to

• Loss of Libido.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of muscle tone.
• Enlarged Prostrate.

2) It is the visceral and not the subcutaneous fat that is more dangerous. Visceral fat is the fat that is stored in the abdomen and gives you that pot belly. This is because the fat cells of the visceral fat are more active. They cause:

• Coronary artery blockage due to atherosclerosis  which can lead to cardiac stroke.
• Diabetes.
• High Blood Pressure.
• Certain types of cancers such as breast cancer which are difficult to treat.
• Interference with liver function.

3) Fats, especially saturated fat, stimulate your auto immune system and therefore an auto immune reaction develops to the fat tissue in your body. This is  similar to the auto immune reaction seen in infections like influenza. This happens because your auto immune cells see the fat cells as invasive forces akin to bacteria. You therefore, become a potential candidate for various auto immune disorders like multiple sclerosis.

4) Fats promote osteoporosis. This is because the visceral fat lowers the mineral bone density. (Conclusion of a Harvard study). Hip and knee fractures occur as a result.

5) Excess fats interfere with your sleep and cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea interferes with your regular breathing and this causes your oxygen levels in the blood to fall. Chances of stroke are therefore increased.

Important points to note when consuming your fatty foods.

• Choose your fats well. Avoid saturated and trans fats.
• Stay within the parameters of eating the right amount of fats.

Related posts:

1. Fats|Types of Fats–good fats and bad fats.
2. Unsaturated Fats|Monounsaturated Fats and Polyunsaturated Fats.
3. 17 Health Benefits of Fats.
4. Saturated Fats or the Bad Fats.
5. Fats and Fatty Acid Foods in Pregnancy.
6. Trans Fats.
7. LDL – Low Density Lipoprotein|Bad Fats.