Effects of fat intake on cardiovascular disease risk and implications for prevention

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper was to review current research on how the different fats affect cardiovascular disease and provide an overall summary and conclusion based on the findings. In order to know what health effects are to be expected from dietary fat, individuals have to be able to distinguish the difference between types of fat with varying fatty acid composition. Fatty acids are often categorized by their saturation status, but understanding the different roles of each individual fatty acid and how they affect ones health is crucial. Monitoring the types of fatty acids being consumed is important because each type has a different effect in the body. Cutting back on saturated and trans fat can be good for health if it is being replaced with good fats, like polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats. Eating polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and improves the ratio of total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol, which lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Consumer education is extremely important when it comes to the different types of fats and how they affect cardiovascular health. Consumers should also be educated on how to accurately estimate their portion size of fat relative to standardized values on the Nutrition Facts Panel.