Does "Fat Free" Make Good Dietary Sense?

There are many diets out there that say we should reduce or eliminate fats from our diet completely and increase protein, but there are many benefits offered by unsaturated fats and proteins when included in a balanced diet.

Eliminating fats from our diets altogether and increasing proteins presents multiple problems. Very little protein is fat-free, so increasing proteins and eliminating fat from the diet would be nearly impossible, unless only plants are consumed which are not the best source of proteins available (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006). Proteins from animal sources supply B vitamins, iron, zinc, and calcium; plant sources of protein supply some B vitamins, iron, zinc, and calcium, but may not be as easy to absorb as protein from animal sources (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006). Too much protein has been associated with kidney problems, loss of calcium, and dehydration (Kids Health, 2005).

Unsaturated fats in the diet provide several benefits. Polyunsaturated fat, used instead of saturated fats, can decrease LDL cholesterol, but heavy use of omega-6 fats may cause a drop in HDL cholesterol; however, omega-3 fatty acids can drop LDL cholesterol without interfering with HDL cholesterol, prevent the accumulation of artery plaque buildup, decrease inflammation, and may also reduced blood clotting, blood pressure, and the risk of heart disease. Monounsaturated fats can also decrease risk of heart disease and reduced LDL cholesterol while not dropping HDL cholesterol. (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006)