Ask A Scientist Molecular Biology Archive

name         Jamel M.
status       student
age          15

Question -   Why is it hard to metabolize unsaturated fat?
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It is not difficult to breakdown fat if you are not eating carbohydrates.
Dietary carbohydrates (sugar) stimulate the release of insulin which
inhibits the breakdown of lipids (fats and oils) for energy and directs them
towards metabolic pathways for storage as FAT. This is the basis of diets
like the Zone or Atkins where they limit carbs.  Atkins takes it to an
extreme...which is an old dietary trick of body builders...to lose body
fat...eat lots of protein and some fats and oils and very little carbs.

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