Q&A for: 22-Jul-06
1675. Q:
My question is about fat. I know that you need to polyunsaturated fats like omega 3 and 6 as your body cannot produce these essential fatty acids. Does your body need monounsaturated fats. I’ve read that polyunsaturated fats are better than monounsaturated fats – are they? When you eat these unsaturated fats are they released into the body quickly or slowly – I’ve read that unprocessed foods generally are burned slowly by the body – they have a low glycemic index – which is good at preventing weight gain and diabetes. I’ve also heard that unsaturated fats help your body to burn fat – surely this cannot be true?
A:
Your body does need to get polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 and omega-6) from your diet because, as you say, it cannot 'manufacture' them on its own. But research has shown that the actual quantities of these fats needed are relatively small and that consuming very large quantities of these fats is not beneficial and may potentially be harmful (one reason is that polyunsaturated fats very easily oxidize or spoil turning them into the unhealthy trans fats). Moreover, a typical person's diet is very unbalanced consisting of a ton of omega-6 and close to no omega-3. Moreover, there's a lot of research showing the beneficial qualities of monounsaturated fats (like that found in olive oil, avocadoes, and almonds).
All that adds up to the following guidelines: make the bulk of your fat intake come from monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocados, almonds, as well as part of many animal-based fats) and allow the rest come from a roughly balanced mix of omega-3 (fatty fish, flax), omega-6 (virtually all plant-based oils and nuts), and saturated (animal products) fats.
As far as claims like 'fat helps you burn fat' they're true but not really useful. Everything that helps your body maintain its normal function indirectly helps it burn fats since burning fats is what your body does. So fat helps it burn fat, vitamins help it burn fat, minerals help it burn fat, water helps it burn fat, breathing helps it burn fat... you get the idea :) The basic message is that healthy fats should be a part of your diet, both for health reasons and for appearence reasons.
1676. Q:
how much more does muscle weigh than fat?
A:
Muscle is about 20% more dense than fat. Put in other words, a certain amount of muscle will take up 20% less room than the same amount of fat.
1677. Q:
Is it wrong to be 11 years old and weigh 122 pounds?
A:
It depends on your height, but if you are like an average 11-year old and are 58 inches tall (4 feet 10 inches) than 122 pounds is a bit too much -- an average 11-year old who is 58 inches tall weighs 80-100 pounds.
Good news is that even at 122 pounds you're not terribly overweight at all and all you have to do is start eating healthier and be generally physically active and your continuing growth will take care of whatever extra fat you might've accumulated. Cut out or at least cut down on sweets, junk food, sodas, and fried foods, and eat more whole vegetables and fruits and whole grains. And be physically active whenever you get a chance whether its a pickup game of soccer or mowing the lawn.
1678. Q:
hi mike i just recovered from a high fever and its already 5 days, i'm still feeling weak or tired, is there something wrong?
A:
Sorry, that's really not something I am qualified to answer -- you should ask your doctor. Good luck with your recovery and if you work out make sure you first fully recover before getting back to exercising.
1679. Q:
how do i lose my man boobs
A:
Please read this.
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