According to nutrition science, all foods, except water, contain calories. Therefore, our daily calorie intake should be based on our needs, and consuming more than our requirements can lead to weight gain and, ultimately, obesity.
As reported by the Science and Technology Service of Saednews, citing Fars News Agency, fat used to be viewed negatively in the field of nutrition. Years ago, doctors recommended limiting or even eliminating fat from the diet to prevent weight gain and conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
However, doctors now know that not all fats are bad. In fact, some fats can lower cholesterol levels and keep the body healthy. The goal is to increase the intake of healthy fats while minimizing the consumption of unhealthy fats.
The key to consuming fats is to create a balance between fats and other nutrients in our diet, focusing on the healthiest types of fats in the right amounts.
According to the Ministry of Health, we should get 25 to 30 percent of our daily energy from fats and oils, following global nutritional guidelines. Therefore, fat needs to be included in our daily diet to support the production of certain hormones and body functions that rely on fat, particularly fatty acids.
Unfortunately, there is a widespread misconception in our culture that leads people to consume excessive amounts of high-fat foods. Fast food, rice dishes with excessive oil, butter, cream, and full-fat milk are all rich in fats and saturated fatty acids, which can jeopardize our health. As a result, it's important to limit the intake of high-fat foods significantly.
It's also essential to note that every gram of carbohydrates and protein provides 4 calories, while every gram of fat provides 9 calories—roughly double the energy of the other two food groups. Therefore, consuming excessive amounts of fatty foods and using too much oil when cooking can lead to weight gain. If this pattern continues, the result is likely to be a range of health problems.
