❤️‍Comprendre the role of fats in our health ⚕️

Perplexed by so many new diets, all boasting about adopting X or Y dietary approach to maintain a healthy heart? 

You may be wondering what the real story is behind fats and their place in our diet. 

After all, however recent these dietary trends may be, they all offer significant about-faces from the traditional prescriptions many of us grew up on. 

Welcome to Cardio Laval. 

We're here to help demystify the constantly debated and often misunderstood subject of the role of fats in our health.

With this in mind, let's explore what you need to know about the types of fats available (saturated, unsaturated and trans), how they influence our cardiovascular well-being and how they will contribute to better management of your heart health.

Defining fats: the good, the bad and the ugly 😇 😡 👿

Defining types of fat: saturated, unsaturated and trans fats 

Fats can each be categorized as saturated or unsaturated according to their chemical structure. 

This influences their biological behavior and their impact on our bodies.

The distinction between these two types may seem nebulous at first, but it's mainly due to the fact that each type generally comes from a different source: bad fats, also known as "saturated" and "trans" fats, are mostly found in excess in industrial foods, while good fats, known as "unsaturated" fats, are often found in plant-based dishes and certain fish.

Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature: typical examples include butter, cheese and palm oil. 

Unsaturated fatty acids come in two main types - polyunsaturated, such as omega-3, and monounsaturated, such as omega-9 - which remain liquid in the same thermal state. 

Finally, the term "trans fats" is used to describe certain rare variations that exist naturally but are mainly produced industrially to enhance preservation and flavour.

The myth of saturated and unsaturated fats

For a long time, these two types were respectively demonized and praised without any real need to do so. 

In reality, each person has a unique organism whose reaction to equivalent consumption may differ. 

So there's really no absolute wrong or even panacea; only what's specifically right for your body really matters.

Choosing between them should above all depend on the overall nutritional context, as none of them should be banned outright - yes, not even the one vilified by many contemporary diets! 

Despite the bad press they have received over the last half-century, some research is now challenging the idea of a systematic correlation between high intake and cardiovascular disease, but moderation remains the key.

As for unsaturated fats, thanks to their abundance in certain beneficial foods (nuts avocado fish) - which we should all be eating more of - they are often recommended. 

Conclusion: neither demonization nor veneration.

The risks of trans fats for heart health

If there is one universal mea-culpa to be said about fats, it would undoubtedly be this one.

Trans fats" aren't good for anyone. 

Far from being indispensable to any bodily process, they have been widely linked scientifically with a significant increase in the incidence of heart disease, notably via an increase in LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and sometimes also a reduction in HDL ("good") cholesterol.

Their omnipresence hidden in many ultra-processed foods makes them a real danger to be avoided in order to protect your cardio-vascular system; they frequently present the same problem: excess salt increases blood pressure or poor glycemic balance is a source of additional complications.

The research may still seem contradictory about the other types, but we definitely know: eating a large number of foods containing trans fats on a regular basis promotes coronary damage. One thing's for sure: going for the vital minimum or even zero is always the best choice you can make.

In short, there is no generalized category on which to declare war. 

A healthy, balanced diet doesn't mean excluding or pampering specific fats, but rather including all fats in the right dosage, always favoring those with the best possible nutritional profile. 

Limits are a key concept in nutrition - and the same applies to our faithful protagonist here, as well as to most of the macronutrients essential to our dietary needs.

The consequences of excess fat on our cardiovascular health

The role of fat in anatomy and cardiovascular disease

Understanding the role of fats in our bodies is essential for maintaining good health. 

Our bodies need a certain amount of fat to function properly. 

In particular, they serve to store energy, protect our organs and facilitate the production of fat-soluble vitamins. 

Nevertheless, not all types of fat are created equal. ❌

When excess occurs, it's often the fault of bad fats - saturated and trans - which accumulate in the wrong places: around internal organs or in the form of excess fat on various parts of the body. 

This buildup can lead to problems such as narrowing of the blood vessels, or an unnecessary increase in body weight that can affect normal heart function.

When blood circulation is impeded by this excessive build-up of fatty plaque known as atherosclerosis, it poses a direct threat to your cardiovascular system, leading to a variety of disorders such as heart attack, stroke and angina pectoris.

Scientific studies show that certain types of diet can promote this destructive process, while others can help maintain a more favorable lipid profile - low LDL ("bad") cholesterol and high HDL ("good") cholesterol.

Signs and symptoms of poor nutrition 🍽️

A poor diet, especially one rich in trans fats and saturated fats, can often be the cause of general disorders such as persistent fatigue, or even disordered eating patterns (overeating or, on the contrary, restriction) induced by a persistent feeling of hunger. 

Physically, excessive accumulation on certain parts of the body can be a warning sign - prominent bellies in men with "abdominal obesity" and excessive deposits around the hips and thighs in women with a "gynoid phenotype". 

More insidiously, however, it's possible to put on far too much weight around internal organs without even realizing it - the famous "visceral fat".

More specific symptoms such as dyspnea (abnormal shortness of breath) or angina pectoris (chest pain) may be indicative of a pre-existing cardiovascular problem. 

Arterial hypertension in particular is frequently associated with cardiometabolic disorders linked to excess adiposity.

The importance of a balanced diet in preventing cardiovascular disease

To prevent these problems linked to excess week rich in evidence emphasizes that good heart health starts with the daily menu with less saturated fat.

So opt for more fresh fruit, soft vegetables and legumes, and divide your platform between lean proteins and complex carbohydrates (such as wholegrain cereals) to fill the empty space left by those unwanted fats. 

Get to know mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acids from vegetable oils such as olives or walnuts, or cold-water fish.

The specific food preparation indicated on the back of products can help you become aware of their macronutrient content and choose more wisely.

How Cardio Laval can help you understand and monitor your cardiovascular condition

Diagnostic screening at Cardio Laval

At Cardio Laval, we take your heart health to heart. 

Our dedicated team offers precise, meticulous check-ups to determine your cardiovascular risks, giving you a clear picture of your confidentiality. 

Our innovative cost-effective protocols are simple listening heart go through a ligator accurate blood pressure measurement selons recommended values quebec ecg monitoring continuing with lipid profile analysis its cholesterolic levels underline overload atherosclerosis offers optimal protection.

Cardio Laval's practical tips for better cardiovascular health

At Cardio Laval, we offer much more than medical examinations. 

We offer comprehensive, personalized support. 

With this in mind, we offer you a dietetic consultation that gives you access to tailored nutritional recommendations in line with the latest scientific advances. 

Our aim is to anticipate and correct disorders linked to an inappropriate diet, in line with your tastes and habits. 

Make Cardio Laval your trusted partner and get on with life in good shape, reinforcing the positive effects of regular, well-calibrated physical activity adapted to your current condition. 

Our health project aims to implement active prevention to ensure your longevity and improve your quality of life.

Consult us today. Let's team up for better cardiovascular health at Cardio Laval.

A proactive approach to cardiovascular health

Understanding and using foods rich in good fats

Fats often have a bad reputation, but it's important to remember that some are essential to our bodies. 

Indeed, "good fats", mainly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, are an integral part of a balanced diet.

These contribute to the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), help the hormonal system function and build cell membranes. 

Omega-3s in particular help combat the risk of cardiovascular disease through their anti-inflammatory action.

These "good fats" are found in a variety of foods, such as oily fish (salmon, sardines), vegetable oils (olive or rapeseed), oilseeds (flax, chia), avocados and dried fruits like walnuts and almonds. 

It is therefore highly recommended that you include these products in your daily diet to take full advantage of their heart-healthy benefits.

The impact of exercise on heart health

Exercise does more than burn calories; it also plays a key role in keeping your heart healthy! 

Even a small amount of regular exercise can help reduce bad LDL cholesterol while increasing good HDL. 

In fact, about 30 minutes of walking, swimming, cycling or any other activity of your choice can make a significant difference. 

The important thing is to establish a routine that you enjoy - the most important thing being that this exercise becomes a pleasure, not a chore.

The importance of knowledge and self-monitoring

Our health is our most precious asset, which is why it's crucial to be aware of the various preventive measures we can take - whether by adopting a balanced diet that includes plenty of "good fats", exercising regularly or attending regular medical appointments to assess our overall cardiovascular condition.

Self-monitoring can be a powerful lever in this preventive approach; simply learning to listen to your body can often detect certain suggestive warning symptoms, such as atypical chest pain or unusual palpitations. 

It is also strongly recommended to seek professional advice when these symptoms become persistent.

Dispelling fat myths

Essential fuel for our bodies, but also a notorious source of cardiovascular problems when their consumption becomes excessive: fats are definitely surrounded by a real artistic blur!

Nevertheless, there are several reliable sources of concise information based on clinical practice handed down over the years by our cardiovascular specialists.

Start by understanding your nutritional needs according to your age, sex and state of health:

Then familiarize yourself with the different types of fats, such as saturated and unsaturated. 

The former are mainly found in all meats and full-fat dairy products, while the latter are far more beneficial when consumed in moderation, as they help maintain good blood pressure and regulate the general metabolism. 

For a healthier heart

A good understanding of fats can greatly contribute to a healthy cardiovascular life. 

By now, you know that no two are alike, and some even play a crucial role in the way our bodies function.

The time has come to take the first step towards a healthier heart; what better way than with a complete check-up at Cardio Laval?

 You'll find professionals ready to listen, guide you and give plausible meaning to the various mazes that include these famous "fats". 

Make an appointment now! https://bit.ly/prendre-rdv-cardio-laval.