How To Maintain A Proper Level Of Healthy Fats

Have you wondered what is the big deal about different types of fats? The thing is that not all fats are equal and there are healthy fats and not so healthy fats. The media has reported extensively about zero trans fat foods. The fact is that fat is an important part of our diet. Fats help with nerve transmission, nutrient absorption and integrity of cell membranes. Too much fat has a negative impact on our health whether it is bad fat or healthy fats. Excess fat has been proven to contribute to weight gain, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer as well as cardiovascular disease.

It is true that not all fats are created equal. Good fats, including poly-unsaturated fats and mono-unsaturated fats can promote overall good health. On the other hand, saturated fats and trans fats have a negative impact on hearts and overall health. Clinical studies show that replacing bad fats with good fats will improve health and longevity.

Poly-unsaturated fats such as those found in sunflowers, safflowers, corn, soy and fish oils help to lower both total cholesterol and LDL or bad cholesterol, bad cholesterol. Omega 3 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated fats. These are known as healthy fats that are good for your body and general health.

Mono-unsaturated fats also can have a lowering effect on both total and LDL cholesterol. Mono-unsaturated fats also help to raise the HDL or good cholesterol. If you are trying to lose weight, especially body fat, you will want to cozy up to these fats. You get mono-unsaturated fats from olive and canola oil, avocados, and nuts such as pistachios, peanuts, almonds and walnuts.

Trans fats or bad fats, come from hydrogenated liquid oils. They are found in vegetable shortening, hard stick margarine, and many commercially packaged foods. Foods such as frozen french fries and microwaved popcorn usually have trans fats in them.

Saturated fats are another type of unhealthy fat. It is found in coconut oil, palm oil and in animal products such as meat, seafood, eggs and dairy products. Saturated fats are those fats that can raise total cholesterol as well as LDL.

There are some actions you can take to increase your intake of healthy fats and decrease bad fats. You should use oil that is low in saturated fats. Try flax oil, olive oil and canola oil instead of other types. Minimize the use of processed or commercially packaged foods. Read labels and use trans fat free alternatives. Cut down on the use of meat products or at least trim skins and visible fats from meat.