GOOD FATS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR GOOD HEALTH

Fat has an undeserved reputation as a diet food that is bad for weight loss and health. True, saturated fat is bad for health, as it is proven to clog arteries causing heart disease and stroke. However, health warnings to “avoid saturated fat” have been misinterpreted to mean “avoid ALL fats.” But the truth is, good fat is absolutely essential for good health and have even been proven to assist with weightloss!

GOOD FATS

Monounsaturated fats have been proven to assist with weight loss. They lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).

High levels of mono-unsaturated fats can be found in foods such as nuts (almonds, walnuts, peanuts and pistachios), avocado, canola and olive oil.

Polyunsaturated fats also lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Seafood like salmon and fish oil, as well as corn, safflower and sunflower oils are high in polyunsaturated fats. Omega 3 fatty acids belong to this group.

BAD FATS

Saturated fats raise total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Saturated fats are mainly found in animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs and seafood. Some plant foods are also high in saturated fats such as coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil.

Trans fats came about when food scientists began to “hydrogenate” liquid oils so they can withstand better in food production and increase shelf life. Trans fats are found in many commercially packaged food, commercially fried foots and other packaged snack. This type of fat is best avoided. Most people don’t know that trans fats are found in toasted mueslis!