Why is the fat substitute Olestra harmful?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Olestra is a fat substitute found in snack items like potato chips. Although it takes the fat out of foods, it can also cause extreme gastrointestinal (GI) side effects like gas, cramping and even anal leakage. The next time you’re craving a crunchy snack, try a handful of almonds or walnuts, loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com

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Fats

At 9 calories per gram, fats can add up quickly in your diet, yet experts recommend that you get only 7% of your calorie intake from fat. Fats also affect your cholesterol, and there are both good and bad fats. The best kind of fats are called unsaturated fats, and can be found in oils like olive and canola oils, nuts and seeds. These fats can help your body get rid of cholesterol. Saturated fats often have had hydrogen added to them to make them more solid. Other saturated fats are found in cream, butter and meats. They can raise your blood cholesterol. Its wise to learn which is which and check nutrition labels to make proper choices.

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