FAT CHANCE – KNOWING THE TRUTH

Take a look at four types of fats and we’ll make your life easier for sure.

SATURATED fat

MONOUNSATURATED fat

POLYUNSATURATED fat

TRANS fat

All fats have certain things in common. The first being, they are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They all contain calories. They are all a source of energy. If you eat too much of any of these fats, you will put on weight, and probably feel lethargic. Not one of these fats in excess will make you feel good.

However, we need fat. Our body needs fat. But do we need all of them?

Saturated.

These are ‘saturated’ with hydrogen, and come in the form of hard fat, like lard. It is found in animal food, such as dairy and meat. Think cheese. Some oil contains saturated fat, like coconut or palm, found in many processed baked products. 

Too much saturated fat can increase cholesterol in the blood. This in turn increases heart disease. 

Monounsaturated.

This is liquid at room temperature, and is an unsaturated fat. Olives and olive oil contain this type of fat. Also avocado and many spreads. This type of fat has been linked to low blood pressure, and is typical of the Mediterranean diet.

Replace saturated fat with mono, and you will find health benefits. Cook with olive oil, but in moderation. Eat nuts, and avocado.

Polyunsaturated.

These fats are essential for our body. We do not produce these fats, so need to supplement them through food. We need Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-3 is found in green vegetables and oily fish, as well as rapeseed oil and flaxseed. Omega-6 is found in sunflower oil, and corn oil, as well as meat, chicken and nuts. Make sure you have a well-rounded diet, including oily fish at least twice a week.

Trans.

Trans fats are made. Unsaturated oil is hydrogenated, which gives it a higher melting point, and makes it more solid. This is usually to give it a higher shelf life.

Processed foods are the usual source of trans fats, and food such as cookies, cakes, cheese, pies and pastries are the biggest culprit. Some margarines contain trans fats, but many manufacturers are cutting these out, and have changed their way of thinking. 

There are no health benefits to trans fats. Luckily, trans fats have been reduced by the food industry over recent years. Check food labels, however.

Don’t forget… olive oil is healthier than butter and hemp seed oil is a good source of Omega-3 for people that don’t eat fish.

For more information regarding weight loss and diet, visit WeightLossCommunicator