Good Fats vs Bad Fats

Fat is a necessity in our lives. Fats helps nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, etc. However, when consumed in excess amount, fats causes weight gain that will lead to health problems like heart problems, high blood pressure and many more. Fats are not created the same. There are fats that is good for our health while some increase our risks of heart disease. We need to replace the bad fats with good fats in our diet.

Saturated fats increases our blood cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Saturated fats are usually found in meat, dairy, eggs and seafood.

Trans fats also referred as “hydrogenate” liquid oils so that they can withstand better in food production process and have longer shelve life. As a result of hydrogenation, Trans fatty acids are formed. Trans fatty acids are found in many commercial foods such as French Fries from some fast food chains, other packaged snacks such as microwave popcorn as well as in vegetable shortening and hard stick margarine.

Monounsaturated fats however lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and increase the HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Nut, canola and olive oils are high in monounsaturated fats.

Polyunsaturated fats also lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Seafood like salmon as well as corn, soy and sunflower oils are high in polyunsaturated fats.

Please avoid using cooking oils that are high in saturated fats and/or trans fats such as coconut oil, palm oil or vegetable shortening. Instead, use oils that are low in saturated fats and high in mono- and polyunsaturated fats such as canola oil, olive oil.

Trim visible fats and skins from meat products.

With better understanding of the types of fats, the rate of obesity can be lowered. Not forgetting with a balance regime of exercise as well.