The Fat Truth: What Should You Know About Fats
The Fat Truth: What Should You Know About Fats
The truth is our bodies need fat to stay alive. The challenge is making sure you consume the right amount of the good stuff and avoid the bad stuff. So what are these good and the bad fats and where can we get them from?
Good fats
Unsaturated
One form of good fat is often referred to as unsaturated. There are two types: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Examples of good fat are butter and coconut oil, all of which can be heated to high levels without going rancid. Olive oil is another great source that can be heated to lower levels.
Saturated
Saturated fat found in animal and dairy products are believed to be “evil.” However, new studies suggest that saturated fat is actually good for you and does not cause heart disease or stroke. The key is finding the best source, which are grass-fed meat, butter, whole eggs and coconut fat.
Polyunsaturated
This types of fat help lower your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Polyunsaturated fat encompasses Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that are found from fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oil.
Monounsaturated
Monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy fats and a good source of antioxidant vitamin E. It can also raise good cholesterol levels and lower LDL. Olives, avocado, almonds, sesame seeds and olive oil are some of the good sources of this type of fat.
Bad fats
Trans fat
There are two types of trans fat: the naturally-occurring fat found in dairy and meat – which are good – and the artificial kind. Artificial kind of trans fat that occur when liquid oils are hardened into partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated fats. These are dangerous and can increase the risk of heart disease. It can also increase LDL or bad cholesterol while decreasing the good cholesterol levels.
Fat doesn’t convert into fat, granted it is good quality and you are having the right amount of it. A diet that is balanced and packed with vegetables, fruit, nuts and good quality sources of protein is the best way to maintain a healthy weight. Eliminating bad-fat foods such as processed goods and sweets is one of the best things you can do for your health.
