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Dietary Fat Quality

Meaning

Dietary fat quality is a nutritional concept that evaluates the health impact of fats consumed, focusing on the chemical structure of the fatty acids rather than merely the total quantity of fat. This assessment distinguishes between beneficial unsaturated fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids like Omega-3s, and less desirable saturated or trans fats. Optimal fat quality is critical in hormonal health, as dietary lipids serve as the foundational building blocks for all steroid hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. Furthermore, the type of fat significantly influences cell membrane fluidity and the body’s inflammatory signaling pathways.