Which Fats are Healthier?

[wilbe95]

Did you know that your body requires some dietary fat? Dietary fat is essential for providing energy, cell growth, protection of organs, and can help keep your body warm while helping your body to absorb some nutrients and produce important hormones.

There are four main types of fats. Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature and found in meat, butter, whole milk, palm and coconut oils. Saturated fats raise the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels in your blood and can increase your risk of heart disease. Trans fats are usually found in foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Examples of foods with trans fats include cakes, cookies, crackers, icings, margarines and even microwave popcorns. Trans fats also raise your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels in your blood, in turn increasing your risk of disease. Polyunsaturated fats tend to be liquid at room temperature and are found in soybean, safflower and corn oil. Polyunsaturated fats can help lower “bad” cholesterol levels and may even be beneficial when consumed in moderation. Monounsaturated fats also help lower “bad” cholesterol levels and can be beneficial when consumed in moderation. Monounsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature and found in olive, canola and peanut oils.

If you balance the amount of calories you eat with the amount of calories you use; eat more vegetables, fruits and whole-grain or high-fiber foods; use fat-free and low-fat dairy products as well as enjoy lean meats, poultry and fish you can provide your body with the minimum requirements of fat that can lead to a healthier diet.

Did you know?
• All fats have 9 calories per gram.
• Consumption of large amounts of fat could lead to excess calorie intake.
• Solid fats contain the most saturated and/or trans fats.
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are contained in oils.

Replace your saturated fats (shortening) with monounsaturated and/or polyunsaturated fats (olive/corn oils). Look at the Nutrition Facts Labels, cut back on the foods that contain cholesterol, saturated fats, and of course trans fats.

[brchbell]

Thanks, I’ve gone to only using natural fats like butter and olive oil. I have eliminated all else. I only use whole grains and grind my own flour fresh each day. It’s made a big difference!

[Author]

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