Food consists of three major macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Fat contains more energy than either protein or carbohydrates. Fat is essential for forming cell membranes and for hormone production. Inadequate fat intake can lead to vitamin deficiency, since fat acts as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fat is found in both animal and vegetable products, adds flavor to food, and satisfies hunger as well. 

Should I eat a low-fat diet?

The American public has been told by organizations such as The American Medical Association, The American Cancer Society, dieticians, their own physicians, and our government that we must eat low-fat foods in order to be healthy. However, numerous imbalances and vitamin deficiencies, including Vitamins A, D, E, and K, are apparent in low-fat diets. The low-fat diet idea is emphasized in the food pyramid that is so well known. Even with the recent changes to the food pyramid, little emphasis is on fat in the diet; and the most emphasis is on grains. And, there is no information promoted about why it is important to ingest adequate amounts of healthy fats.
 

The food pyramid reflects the standard American diet. In the last 20 years, fat consumption has decreased 11% in this country. What has been the result of 20 years of following a diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates? It has made Americans the most obese people on this planet. In fact, during the last 20 years, while fat intake has decreased, obesity has increased 32%!

The standard American diet is a major cause of the tremendous growth of degenerative disorders seen in this country including autoimmune disorders, cancer, arthritis, coronary artery disease, and many others. Also, this diet promotes an imbalanced hormonal system. In order to promote health, we must understand the important role food has in providing fuel and nutrients for our bodies. In turn, we will be able to understand how to use food, including healthy fats, to provide our bodies with essential nutrients to promote true healing.

Excerpted with permission from The Guide to Healthy Eating by David Brownstein, M.D. & Sheryl Shenefelt, C.N.