Question

Explain to Matt why it is more important to improve the quality (type) of fat he consumes rather than lowering the amount of fat he consumes to reduce his risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Answer 1

Fats are one of the macronutrients needed by body for energy production.
The plasma contains fat in the form of very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, intermediate density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein.
The low density lipoprotein can oxidise in the artery wall resulting in plaque formation in the artery known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Intermediate and very low density lipoprotein converts into low density lipoprotein.

High density lipoprotein on rhe other hand mobilizes fat from the arteries to the liver thus decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis. This reduces risk of cardiovascular disease. HDL is referred to as good cholesterol while LDL is referred to as bad cholesterol.
So one should not limit the fat intake as they are an important source of fuel to the body but look out that they eat food rich in HDL and cut out on foods rich in LDL.
HDL rich foods includes avacado, olive oil, fish oil, flax oil, pistachios, walnuts, high fibre fruits, beans and legumes.
Avoid high LDL rich foods such as butter, red meat, deep fried items