The Food We Eat: Sugar and Fat

By Thomas Fudge / Science and Technology Reporter

Published April 6, 2009 at 7:55 AM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

Originally aired on July 24, 2008.

How much sugar and fat does your body need, and how much is too much? What kind of impact do sugar and fat have on your body when they are eaten in excess? What's the difference between good and bad fat? And, what are good sugar food sources?

Sugary treats and fatty fried foods, we've all been told to avoid them, but what can you do when it tastes so good? Most doctors and nutritionists say Americans continue to eat too much sugar and fat. But there's a flip side to this nutritional coin. It turns out that a certain amount of sugar and fat are vital to our lives. Last summer, Tom Fudge spoke with dietician Vicky Newman, director of nutrition services for the UCSD Cancer Prevention and Control Program, about the way our bodies use sugar and fat. It was part of a series called The Food We Eat.

Guest

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Vicky Newman, director of nutrition services for the UCSD Cancer Prevention and Control Program. Vicky is a registered dietitian who has specialized in women's nutrition for more than 30 years.