Most Canadians consume enough protein. While some fat is necessary for the absorption of fatsoluble vitamins and to provide essential fatty acids, too much fat, particularly saturates and trans fatty acids, is unhealthy. Saturated fat high intakes aggravate risk factors for heart disease. Most Canadian adults need less saturated fat in their diets. Trans fatty acids also aggravate risk factors for heart disease.
Carbohydrate consists of starch, sugars and fibre and is an important source of energy.
Healthy eating encourages a change in the source of calories from fat to carbohydrate, with an emphasis on starch and fibre. Fibre a component of plants that is largely indigestible. Healthy eating promotes the consumption of fibrecontaining foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, dried peas, beans and lentils. Sodium an element naturally found in foods but also added in the form of table salt and other additives. Sodium may increase blood pressure in susceptible people.