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10.6: Lipids and Disease

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    An increased intake of lipids is associated with heart disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other problems. Making dietary choices that limit the intake of saturated (and trans, another type of fat) fats to the recommended levels, replacing saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing heart disease and other ailments. Note that a diet too low in fat is also problematic; fat is essential for many body functions, making food taste great and satiating the appetite. Like with so many things in life, the best results come from balance: eat enough lipids but not too much.

    The total fat (% kcal) goal is based on the acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR). Omega-3 and -6 goals are based on adequate intake (AI) to ensure nutritional adequacy. Sources: National Institutes of Health: Nutrient Recommendations: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) & Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020: Appendix 7.

    10.6: Lipids and Disease is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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