Turpentine baths

All of us from school biology lessons we remember that for the normal functioning of the human body requires three components, three, as it were, pillars of: proteins, fats and carbohydrates. And if the protein-carbohydrate is more or less clear, the fat causes a mixed reaction. For many of the fats are treated with caution, and only those who are "sitting" on a diet, generally try to avoid even a hint of fat in their diets. Commercials urge to block the fat in the body of super-pills, we are frightened cholesterol plaques, and the producers of refined vegetable oils proudly declare: "Our products are absolutely no cholesterol!" (Which, in principle, and it is not surprising because cholesterol - a product of metabolism in the body).

But fats are absolutely necessary for our body! Along with the aforementioned proteins and fats, carbohydrates are part of the cell, provide absorption from the intestine of a number of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals are involved in many vital processes of cells (for example, are responsible for the elasticity and healthy appearance of the skin). Brain cells are made up of fat by more than 60% (!), And the lack of effect of fat on his work is far from perfect. Fats are a concentrated source of energy - 9.3 calories per 1 gram! (Whereas carbohydrates and proteins have the energy value of 4.1 calories per 1 gram).

Fat - This is the main storage form of energy in our body. Fat reserves are used to maintain and "depreciation" of the vital organs in our body, as well as the need for insulation. Finally, it is transferred to fat molecules, which give food taste and smell. The lack of fat in the diet can cause the development of atherosclerosis, and the excess is fraught with liver and pancreas, the development of gallstones, obesity, atherosclerosis and again.

It is believed that the easiest and fastest way to lose excess weight is to reduce consumption of fats. It would seem to apply the principle "All is good in moderation," Consume laid grams of fat per day and be healthy, but it is not so clear, and to understand the nature of the fat is not possible without complex terms. Please be patient.

Fats (or lipids) - a water-insoluble organic substances, which include fatty acids.In turn, fatty acids are relatively small molecules, which are based on a long chain consisting of hydrogen and carbon. Fatty acids are classified into two categories: saturated and unsaturated. They differ by the fact that the saturated acids the carbon atoms is firmly connected to each other, while the unsaturated carbon atoms are facing a number of connected easily torn, unstable double bond. To include triatsilgltseroly lipids, phospholipids, sterols, and a large group of fat-soluble substances.

Triacylglycerols - are esters in which three molecules of fatty acids linked to one glycerol molecule, and these substances make up about 95% of the total weight of fat. Substances in this group are divided into fats and oils. Phospholipids are similar in structure to triacylglycerols, but have in the group of molecules that contain phosphorus. Steroids have a different structure and are derivatives of cholesterol - an essential element in the structure of any cell that is associated with vitamin D and steroid hormones (such as cortisone and sex hormones).

Other fat-soluble substances, including vitamins A, D, E and K, are also to lipids.

Fats that come into our body with food digested in the small intestine. Bile, reacts with the fat, converts it into an emulsion, so that food enzymes are able to react with triacylglycerols. Digesting, fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol and absorbed in the intestinal wall. Our body has a whole system of transport of fat - this is the task of special proteins called lipoproteins. There are only four species.

Chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) carry mostly triglyceride. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) produced liver and serve to transport cholesterol to cells and tissues, these substances are called "bad" cholesterol, because they can form the notorious plaques on the walls of blood vessels, so the level of LDL cholesterol should not exceed 1 gram per 1 liter of blood .

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) carry excess cholesterol from blood vessels back to the liver for processing and disposal, and they are called "good" cholesterol, levels of which shall not be less than 0.45 grams per 1 liter of blood.

Now, passing blood in the laboratory "for cholesterol," you can do to see the picture of the processes in your body.

Let's go back to fatty acids. The cells of our body uses saturated fatty acids as an energy source - the excess of their just are stored in fatty tissues. Natural batteries, fat cells can increase in size almost indefinitely, and oh, very reluctant to part with their stocks. Even if you contrive to make the fat cells "lose weight" and give the excess fat, exhausting himself by starvation, physical activity or fat-free diet, then as soon as the execution ends, the cells immediately stock up fat for the future and even with interest - you never know what else you come in head the next time.

Unsaturated fatty acids, in turn, are divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.Monounsaturated fatty acids have no effect on total cholesterol in the blood, while maintaining the level of "good" cholesterol (HDL).Monounsaturated fatty acids increase the fluidity of cell membranes. This allows the hormones and other substances can easily penetrate the cells, enhancing protein synthesis and improving insulin sensitivity, which means - improving fat burning.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids lower total cholesterol by lowering LDL and HDL ("good" and "bad" cholesterol). By the polyunsaturated fatty acids are also unsaturated polyacids of Omega-3 and Omega-6. Polyunsaturated fats - the most liquid of all fats (flaxseed oil does not harden, even in the freezer). Our body can not independently synthesize these fatty acids. The deficit of polyunsaturated fats leads to violations of the cells in our body - diseases of the genitourinary areas, inability to become pregnant, problems with the liver, increased mortality from cardiovascular disease.
Now that the role of fats in the body, we are more or less figured out, we only list the products in dominated by harmful or, alternatively, healthy fats.

Monounsaturated fats (omega-9) found in olive, canola, peanut, sesame oils, avocados, olives, sesame seeds, nuts (macadamia nuts, cashews, almonds, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts). A handful of nuts a day is enough to need fats Omega-9 was completely satisfied. Polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-6 found in corn, sunflower, soybean oil, walnuts, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, tofu in, in most salad dressings. Speaking of salads - if you do not fill the vegetable or fruit salad at least a drop of oil or sauce that contains fat, many nutrients are displayed just the body does not absorb.

Fat Omega-3 found in marine fish (especially oily - mackerel, salmon, tuna), and calf. They are necessary for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Interesting fact - in one Eskimo town since the beginning of observations (1970), no reported cases of cardiovascular disease - and all because the Inuit diet rich in fish. The same can be said about the Japanese and the representatives of our Northern peoples.

And finally, some advice on the use of fats. When choosing oil, give preference to a product manufactured by cold pressing, with a small shelf life. The only disadvantage of such oils - the ability to oxidize in air, especially in light and warmth. The oil thus becomes cloudy. Lighten darkened oil salt to help - just pour 1 teaspoon to 1 liter of oil and leave for several days. Then the upper layer of clarified butter can be drained. Unsaturated fats are destroyed when heated and are not suitable for cooking, despite the claims of advertising.

Saturated ("bad") fats found in butter, meat, ice cream, cheese, milk, egg yolks, palm and coconut oil. Significantly reduce their number may be, resorting to some tricks. Buy low-fat dairy products, replace fat cheese or feta cheese Adyg cheese, eat lean meats. Instead of the usual cooking the meat can be boiled, stewed, steamed, baked in foil. In baking recipes can be replaced up to half the required butter or margarine for vegetable oil. Reduce your intake of egg yolks, mayonnaise, replace the industrial to the ketchup, vinegar or mustard. And if you can not imagine life without mayonnaise, the best way to do it yourself, a good whipping two raw egg yolks, mustard and salt, gradually pouring vegetable (preferably olive) oil, about 1 cup. To make mayonnaise turned white at the end add the vinegar, whisking.

We should also mention the hydrogenated (synthetic) fats, contained in a "soft" butter, margarine, chips, cookies, candies, biscuits, sauces, mayonnaise, foods fried in oil. They are also called "trans fats". This is the most dangerous fats, and abusing them with products not recommended.

Remember that the daily human need in fats is less than 100 g, and the share of animal fats should ideally not more than 30%.