The Importance of Fats - A fat is a substance containing one or more fatty acids that is the principle form in which energy is stored in the body.  Contrary to what most people think, a certain amount of fat is necessary in the diet to provide an adequate supply of essential fatty acids to the body and for the efficient absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the intestine. Fats, medically and nutritionally called lipids, are essential for those reasons and for their high energy value.

Metabolism of Fats - Metabolism is the term used to describe the chemical and physical changes that take place within the body that enable it to grow and function. A fluctuating state of energy balance occurs daily between caloric intake and expenditure based on food and calorie consumption.

Essential Fatty Acids - Most triglycerides contain more than one kind of fatty acid, polyunsaturated (PUFA), saturated and monosaturated, and most food fats are mixtures of different triglycerides.  The body has a specific need for PUFA since they cannot be synthesized in the body from saturated or monosaturated acids or from carbohydrates and protein.

CHOLINE (CHOLINE BITARTRATE) is involved in the transport of fats and cholesterol in the body. This B complex factor is involved in the formation of lecithin, used in fat metabolism by the liver.

INOSITOL like choline, is a compound used in the metabolism of fats and cholesterol and in the formation of lecithin.

VITAMIN B-6 (PYRIDOXINE)is an essential coenzyme for normal amino acid metabolism. It is also necessary for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

POTASSIUM (AMINO ACID COMPLEX) is stored almost entirely within the lean tissues, where it serves as the dominant intracellular cation. It is of great physiological importance contributing to transmission of nerve impulses, to the control of skeletal muscle contractility, and to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.

IODINE (KELP), an essential part of the thyroid-produced hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, is an essential micronutrient for all animal species, including humans. These hormones are required for normal growth and development and for maintenance of a normal metabolic state.

CHROMIUM is a mineral that is generally accepted as an essential nutrient that potentates insulin action and thus influences carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism.  It has been found to decrease serum cholesterol levels and normalize exaggerated insulin responses to glucose loads.

● Eat meals with a balance of proteins and complex carbohydrates like turkey or chicken breast and beans, brown rice or lentils.

● Consume raw fruits and vegetables; broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumbers, apples, strawberries, grapefruit and watermelon are also low in calories.

● Drink plenty of water.

● Eat good fats, like avocados, olive oil and raw nuts, but in moderation.

● Avoid processed foods, white flour products, salt and white rice.

● Cut consumption of alcohol, soda, candy and products with refined sugars.

● Avoid fried or greasy food.

● Be active, get regular aerobic exercise.

● Always eat breakfast, make your main meal lunch and don’t skip meals.

● Avoid eating before bed and during the night.