Health/Fitness Blog: The Battle Between Good and Bad Fats

Not all fats are created equal. While some should be avoided, good fats do exist, which your body needs for energy, cell growth and to absorb vitamins. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the four kinds of dietary fats.

 
Saturated fat (bad fat)
— Often referred to as solid fats because they are solid at room temperature.
— Primary source is animal fat, followed by certain plant oils such as palm and coconut.
— Also found in ice cream, high fat cheeses and cuts of meats, whole fat milk, and butter.
— Diets high in saturated fat can raise your cholesterol level, which puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease and may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.
 
Trans fat (bad fat)
— Most are created during food processing to keep food fresh longer.
— Often found in fried foods, commercially baked goods and margarine.
— The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends keeping the amount of trans fat you consume as low as possible.
— Take caution when buying foods labeled “0 trans fat” as they may still contain a lot of saturated fats.
 
Polyunsaturated Fats and Monounsaturated Fats (good fats)
— Most of the fats you eat should come from this category.
— Liquid at room temperature.
— Unsaturated fats are found in fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
— Unsaturated fats provide an essential fatty acid that our bodies can’t make on their own.
— Diets rich in unsaturated fat can improve blood cholesterol levels and may decrease your risk for heart disease.
 

When it comes to a healthy diet remember this simple rule: stick with good fats. Fat shouldn’t be totally eliminated from your diet; what matters is the type of fat you eat.