What Are Bad Fats?
Saturated fat and trans fat are classified as the bad fats. The typical American diet is very high in those type of fats. People who eat large amounts of trans fat and saturated fat are at an increased risk for heart problem and numerous other health conditions.
What Are Saturated Fats?
Saturated fats are solid at room temperature. The reason that they are bad for you is because they have a tendency to raise LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as total cholesterol level. Experts recommend getting no more than 25 grams of saturated fat per day. Those who have certain medical conditions should not get more than 20 grams per day. Red meat, eggs and dairy products are examples of foods that are high in saturated fat. Additionally, frying and using butter or margarine also adds more saturated fat to foods.
What Are Trans Fats ?
Trans fat is a type of partially hydrogenated oil that is used to preserve food. Trans fat raises your LDL while simultaneously lowering your HDL, which is your good cholesterol. There has also been evidence to suggest that trans fat can increase triglycerides, which is the amount of fat in the blood. You should try to avoid trans fat as much as possible. French fries, microwave popcorn and cookies are examples of food that contain trans fat. Packaged foods may also contain traces of this type of fat. It is also important to note that many restaurants use trans fat to prepare meals.
It is very important to make sure that you read the label before you buy any type of food. If a food item has less than 0.5 grams of fat, it will be marked trans-fat free. There has been a push in recent years to ban trans fat from stores and restaurants.
What Are Good Fats ?
Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are also known as the good fats.
What is the Difference Between Saturated and Unsaturated Fats ?
Saturated fats are solid at room temperature while unsaturated fats are liquid. Saturated fats contain no carbon double bonds while unsaturated fats contain one or more carbon double bonds.
What are Unsaturated Fats ?
Unsaturated fats help lower LDL Cholesterol and total cholesterol level. There has also been evidence to suggest that these fats may aid in weight loss. Nutritionists recommend that fat account for 25-35 percent of a person’s caloric intake. For example, if a person follows a 2000 calorie diet, he should be getting about 55-65 grams of fat per day. The majority of fat should come from unsaturated fats. The consumption of unsaturated fat is linked to a reduced risk of heart problem.
What are Polyunsaturated Fats ?
Polyunsaturated fats contain more than one carbon double bond. Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat. Fatty fish such as salmon and trout are good sources for polyunsaturated fats. Additionally, walnuts and sunflower seeds are also reach in this nutrient. There has been evidence to suggest that the consumption of polyunsaturated fats may reduce the risk of cancer. Additionally, this type of fat is also important during pregnancy because it helps the baby’s brain develop normally.
What are Monounsaturated Fats ?
Monounsaturated fats contain one carbon double bond. These are the healthiest type of fats. Not only do they lower LDL, there has also been evidence to suggest that they can raise HDL. Monounsaturated fats also contain Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a type of antioxidant that many people are lacking. Olives, avocados, sunflower oil, nuts and whole grain wheat are excellent sources for monounsaturated fats.
