Fatty Acids

How fat consumption can influence the course of HD

Introduction

Today in the U.S., we are commonly instructed to lower our fat intake because word is out that fats are bad. Low-fat, non-fat, and even "fake fat" food products dominate supermarket shelves. Consumers typically fear fat in any form. However, not all fats are bad. In fact, some types of fats are actually necessary for life and health and should not be eliminated from the diet. This chapter examines the different types of fats, as well as the effect that these fats can have on the brain. In addition, this chapter reveals how optimizing the amount and type of fat in the diet may help combat Huntington´s disease (HD).

• Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fat
• Trans fat
• The relation between fat and nerve cells
• How fat affects people with HD
• Getting the right type of unsaturated fat - essential fatty acids.
• A wrap-up on fatty acids and HD
• Research on essential fatty acids

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Last Modified: 04/12/2007

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