Carbs and Proteins Have Half the Calories Per Gram

In addition to helping you shed pounds, following a low-fat diet can help you allocate calories to more filling carbs and proteins that are less than half the calories per gram. It can also reduce your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. Some people are prescribed low-fat diets for medical issues. Conditions involving gallbladder or pancreatic disease can make it more difficult for the body to breakdown or absorb fatty foods. Proponents of a high fat and low-carb diet believe there are more fats readily available during food processing to promote an increase in the overall fat absorption. Unlike a low-carb menu plan that can trigger hormonal changes that may promote unhealthy fat absorption by cells.

Good Fatty Acids Can Improve Your Health

To maintain a healthy weight and lower your levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, follow a personalized menu plan that is rich in fiber. The four types of dietary fats recognized by the American Heart Association, include:

• Saturated Fats - Saturated with hydrogen molecules, saturated fats are found in animals and have no double bonds between carbon molecules. It normally is a solid at room temperature.
• Trans Fats - Trans fats can be naturally occurring or artificially created through an industrial process. The primarily dietary source of trans fats is found in processed foods made with partially hydrogenated oils.
• Monounsaturated Fats - Oils that contain monounsaturated fats are normally liquid at room temperature but turn solid when chilled. Olive oil is a popular source of monounsaturated fat.
• Polyunsaturated Fats - Polyunsaturated fats can have a beneficial effect on heart health when used to replace bad fats in your diet and consumed in moderation. Sunflower seeds and soybeans are good sources.

Essential fatty acids play a part in many metabolic processes, and evidence suggests that the wrong balance of essential fatty acids may be a factor in chronic illnesses. Almost all polyunsaturated fats in your diet are essential fatty acids and crucial for the development of endocannabinoids.

Carbohydrates May Help Prevent Weight Gain

Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy. In their absence, your body will use protein and fat for fuel. When your body is low on blood glucose, it breaks down stored fat to convert it into energy. When you consume carbs, your body breaks them down into simple sugars. As your blood glucose levels rise, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin moves sugar from your bloodstream into your cells, where it can be burned as fuel. This reservoir of stored energy can allow you to go a long time between meals or to burn fuel at an advanced rate for physical activities. Many carbohydrates contain dietary fiber, which is an indigestible complex carbohydrate that can help to prevent weight gain and may even promote weight loss.