Robert Drapkin, M.D., talks about the importance of consuming the right type of fat within a persons diet.
Your body needs some form of fat from food in order to produce energy, promote good health, help fight disease, and establish an ideal body composition.
Clearwater, Fla. (PRWEB) July 06, 2016
One of the leading causes of the rising rate of obesity in the United States is overconsumption of fat. With issues such as heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol, many are under the impression that dietary fat is something to avoid at all costs. The truth of the matter is that due to lack of education and a plethora of incorrect information presented by the media, people are painfully unaware that fat is actually an essential component to your diet. Robert Drapkin, M.D., a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, warns against the dangers of consuming the wrong kinds of fat, and encourages education which leads towards a broad understanding of dietary fat. Dr. Drapkin published a book entitled Over 40 & Sexy as Hell!, wherein he discusses the importance of people eating the right kinds of fat in order to stay healthy.
Dr. Drapkin’s book explains that fat is a source of energy for the body’s cells, containing nine calories per gram as compared to the four calories per gram in both carbohydrates and protein. Since our bodies are incapable of making certain essential fatty acids, they rely on the consumption of certain types of fat in order to create the energy they require.(1)
“People make the common mistake that all fat is bad for your body, which is painfully untrue,” said Dr. Drapkin. “Your body needs some form of fat from food in order to produce energy, promote good health, help fight disease, and establish an ideal body composition.” Not only does fat provide energy, but it’s also used as a building block for the human body.
There are three types of dietary fat: saturated, unsaturated and trans fat. While many are under the impression that saturated fats can cause serious health issues, Dr. Drapkin points out in his book that the most recent data suggest there is no link whatsoever between saturated fat consumption and heart disease, diabetes or obesity. The book goes on to explain that there is one group of dietary fats that are unhealthy without controversy, trans fats. Unsaturated fats, however, are important to one’s diet, and should become an essential part of a regular diet. Omega-3 fatty acids from unsaturated fats contain DHA and EPA, which lower bad cholesterol and lower blood pressure. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in various foods, such as salmon; canola, soybean, olive and flaxseed oils; and walnuts. There are also ways in which one can receive the same benefits via supplementation with fish oils.(2)
“Rather than being the enemy,” said Dr. Drapkin, “the consumption of good fats—specifically those providing omega-3 fatty acids—can help regulate heart rate, blood pressure and other important nervous system activities.” The book continues on to explain different ways for people to stay healthy as they age more and more. It serves as a guide to a healthy lifestyle as well as how your body works as you get older.
Dr. Drapkin is a consultant in adult fitness and competing bodybuilder. When he found his own unhealthy habits contributing to various physical ailments and adversely affecting his well-being, Dr. Drapkin chose to educate himself on the subjects of nutrition and exercise. Now, at age 71, Dr. Drapkin is an active world-class bodybuilder. He has placed in the top five in six of the last seven competitions in which he has participated, dating back to 2009. Over 40 & Sexy as Hell! is currently available for Kindle and in paperback on Amazon.com.
About Robert Drapkin, M.D., F.A.C.P.:
Robert Drapkin, M.D., is a health care provider who is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care. For the past 36 years, Dr. Drapkin has been in active practice as a doctor, working to ensure the best quality of life for his patients as they age. While in his fifties, Dr. Drapkin became inspired by his own unhealthy habits to educate himself on diet and exercise. Dr. Drapkin went from living an unhealthy lifestyle to becoming a premier bodybuilder, At the age of 71, Dr. Drapkin has been a competitive body builder for 17 years and has won many titles and contests. Fed up by the perpetuation of myths in the subject of elderly fitness and health, Dr. Drapkin decided to share his education through public speaking, and has become a media source for accurate information regarding healthy aging. Dr. Drapkin authored the book Over 40 & Sexy as Hell! available for Kindle and in paperback on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Over-40-Sexy-as-Hell-ebook/dp/B01BQN6CBA. For more information, visit http://drrobertmdfacp.com.
1. Chen, Michael. “Dietary Fats Explained”, nlm.nih.gov. nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000104.htm.
2. Topic of the Week. “How Important Is Dietary Fat To A Bodybuilder?”, bodybuilding.com. bodybuilding.com/fun/dietary_fat_importance.htm.