The potential energy stored in the fat molecule of an average sized male is about 81,000 kcals, take away the body fat required for vital
functions this would leave 65,000 kcal available for energy enough to power a 500-600 mile run.
An ideal intake of fat should be around 20-25% of total calorie intake/day, saturated should make up the lowest amount of this percentage. The Majority should come from good fats which are omega 3 and omega 6 oils. The benefits of these are massive reductions in heart disease, controlling inflammation, Reduce arthritis, help reduce menstrual pain. In numerous animal studies omega 3 fatty acids decreased the number, size and growth rate of tumors. Research has indicated that omega 3s are of benefit to colon, pancreas, breast and prostate cancer.
So we have put the Fat theory to rest, so if its not fat what is it that makes us fat.
The answer is sugar!
All carbohydrates are converted to sugar in the body. Some are better utilized than others, however they all cause a raise in Blood sugar and as a response a raise in the hormone insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing disease in the western world according to the WHO 171 million people worldwide suffer with diabetes.
So what are sugars.
Monosaccharides (simple sugars) Glucose
Fructose found in fruit and the sweetest of all sugars.
Dissaccharides
Lactose found in milk
Maltose found in the malt of beers
Sucrose basically table sugar.
As you can see it is in all carbohydrates and most foods.
So what?
Well sugar has a massive list of side effects.