Question

1. How does consuming excessive saturated fat contribute to the risk of developing cardiovascular disease?

2.	Americans typically consume a disproportionate amount of linoleic acid in relation to α-linolenic acid (also known as alpha-linolenic acid). Identify two reasons it would be beneficial to boost intake of α-linolenic acids in relation to linoleic acids.

3. Recall the list of the three foods you ate that were highest in total fat. Are these foods sources of beneficial fat? Explain why or why not by examining the types of fat they contain.

Answer 1

1. Eating foods that contain saturated fats raises the level of cholesterol in your blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood will pose a risk of heart disease and stroke. Also, Foods that are high in saturated fat, such as meat, cheese and eggs, are also high in calories, they increases your total caloric intake. This effect puts you at risk for weight gain, which further stresses your heart.

2. Benefits of alpha-linoleic acid:

• It is an essential omega-3 fatty acid because it is needed for normal human growth and development.
• Alpha-linolenic acid is popular for preventing and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
• It is used to prevent heart attacks, lower high blood pressure, lower cholesterol.
• It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, renal disease.