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| nature. In general, the colder the climate, the more fat one should consume. The balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is very important to the modulation of eicosanoids/prostaglandins, a class of very active biological substances that regulate nearly every bodily function. |
| What About Fats? |
| Many health practitioners propose diets high in complex carbohydrates and low in either protein or fata low- or no-fat diet. Fats in general, and cholesterol in particular, have been completely misunderstood by the general public. Healthy fats, especially the essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega-6, are important for the proper regulation of prostaglandins (PGs), which are involved with many of the body's vital functions, including the immune system, reproduction, fuel storage, insulin control, and mental health. Even saturated fat (in moderation) is acceptable because it is stable and does not oxidize within or outside the body. |
| To be considered healthy and effective, all the double bonds of a fatty acid molecule must be in the cis configuration. Because cis double bonds are relatively unstable, they are often intentionally converted to the trans isomer in order to improve the shelf life, texture, and appearance of commercial oils and spreads. As a result, most fats in the typical American diet are denatured and devoid of any life-promoting essential components; rather, they are composed of life-destroying agents. Trans fats (listed as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated on food labels) compete with normal EFAs at most structural sites and in many enzymatic reactions. A diet without healthful EFAs can cause a cascade of reactions that can lead to an acceleration of free radicals, an imbalance of prostaglandins, and many health problems. |
| Of the three varieties of prostaglandins, series 1 and series 3 are the good guys; they are capable of inhibiting carcinogenesis by suppressing the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade and inhibiting inflammation. Series 2 prostaglandins, on the other hand, are the bad guys; they encourage the development of arachidonic acid, which promotes tumor growth (see table 3.1). Overproduction of the series 2 eicosanoids/prostaglandins are found in every animal tumor, in every cancer cell system, and in every human tumor. |
| It is estimated that 80 percent of our population is lacking adequate EFAs, in particular the omega-3 fatty acids. There are many reasons for this. For one |
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