Harmful and Helpful Fats

Many times, people that have heart disease or have suffered a heart attack believe that eliminating fat from their diet entirely will lead to a healthier heart. However, only certain fats negatively affect the heart, while others actually help protect the heart while also performing other functions that benefit the body. Trans fats and saturated fats are two that should be avoided because they increase a person’s bad cholesterol levels (LDL) while decreasing or inhibiting the benefits of good cholesterol (HDL). Trans fats, which have been banned in certain places like New York City, are known to clog arteries and increase a person’s risk of heart disease. This type of fat is found in foods like cookies, crackers, cakes, fried foods and some margarines and shortenings. Saturated fat is found in many animal products, including whole milk, butter, red meat and poultry, as well as other products. This fat promotes the accumulation of plaque in the arteries by increasing bad cholesterol, so it is important to limit the amount of saturated fat in your diet.

Unsaturated fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart by lowering bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reducing a person’s risk of heart disease. Monounsaturated fats are found in avocados, most nuts and many oils, including canola, peanut and olive oils, while polyunsaturated fats are found in various vegetable oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat, which are usually found in salmon, herring, mackerel and other fatty fish. This type of fat can also be found in certain seeds, nuts and oils. Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent blood clots, impede the build-up of plaque in the arteries and help lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Although some fats are better for the heart than others, it is important to consume even good fats in moderation. Diets that are too high in fat may lead to obesity, which may lead to heart disease, diabetes, cancer or other serious health problems. If you or a loved one has questions about a delay in diagnosis or treatment of cancer, heart attack or other conditions, please contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., serving clients in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk County. We also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

Call us toll-free at 1-877-ASK4SAM and visit www.ask4sam.net