We all have a negative mindset about FAT. For many, it's confusing to find out what kind of FAT is good for health, and the internet is rife with conflicting recommendations.
Health experts have proven Fat is an important part of a heart-healthy diet. Our body requires healthy fats for multiple processes such as cell production, vitamin absorption to body heat retention.
Before we dive into Good Fat vs Bad Fat, let's understand the two main types of fat:
Types of Fat:
Good Fat (Healthy Fats):
Unsaturated fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are considered good fats.
Examples of Good Fat (Healthy Fats):
Monounsaturated Fats:
- Olive oil
- Avocados
- Nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews, peanuts)
- Seeds (e.g., pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds)
Polyunsaturated Fats:
- Fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, trout)
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Soybean oil
- Sunflower oil
- Corn oil
Bad Fat (Unhealthy Fats): Saturated fats and trans fats are often referred to as bad fats due to their negative impact on health.
Examples of Bad Fat (Unhealthy Fats):
Saturated Fats:
- Fatty cuts of meat (e.g., beef, lamb, pork)
- Processed meats (e.g., bacon, sausage, hot dogs)
- Butter
- Cheese
- Cream
- Palm oil
- Coconut oil (in large amounts)
Trans Fats:
- Margarine (especially stick margarine)
- Shortening
- Processed snacks (e.g., cookies, crackers, pastries)
- Fried foods (e.g., French fries, fried chicken)
- Packaged baked goods (e.g., cakes, muffins, doughnuts)
- Fast food items (e.g., burgers, fried chicken sandwiches)
What is Good Fat?
Good fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and oily fish like salmon, are important for our health. These fats contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.
Why Good Fat is Healthy for Our Body?
Good fats play several important roles in our bodies, including:
- Supporting heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol) and increasing good cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol).
- Providing energy and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
- Promoting brain function and cognitive health, which is important for memory, learning, and mood regulation.
What is Bad Fat?
Bad fats, such as those found in fried foods, processed snacks, fatty meats, and baked goods, are known for their detrimental effects on health. Saturated fats are primarily found in animal products, while trans fats are often found in processed and packaged foods.
Why Bad Fat is Harmful to Our Bodies?
Consuming too much bad fat can contribute to various health problems, including:
- Increasing levels of LDL cholesterol can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- promoting inflammation in the body, which is linked to chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.
- This affects insulin sensitivity and contributes to insulin resistance which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Hence, understanding the difference between good fats and bad fats is important for making informed dietary choices. Using sources of good fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, in your diet can provide several health benefits and support overall health.
On the other hand, limiting your intake of bad fats from processed and fried foods can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote better health in the long run.
By prioritizing good fats and minimizing bad fats in your diet, you can take a proactive approach to supporting your health and life force.
Be Aware and Take Care.