HEALTHY FATS

Many people think they are staying healthy by staying away from all fats. But cutting out all fats from your diet can be bad for you. Your body lacks the necessary nutrition that it needs to function throughout the day.

The body uses fat as a fuel source - in fact, fat is the major storage form of energy in the body. Fats come in four different forms;

Trans Fat

• Fatty acids that raise bad cholesterol and are bad for your heart
• Found in processed foods such as margarine, snack foods, (fried) fast food, doughnuts, cookies, crackers, etc.

SATURATED FAT

• Fatty acids that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Found in cheese, cream, coconut oil, pizza, and butter

MONOUNSATURATED FATS

• Good fatty acids that are a healthy alternative to trans fats
• Improves cholesterol levels, helps reduce risk of diabetes, and are required to maintain a healthy immune system
• Found in nuts, avocados, and olive oil

POLYUNSATURATED FATS

• Healthy fatty acids that promote nerve activity, reduce risks of heart disease and stroke, and are required to maintain a healthy immune system
• Found in nuts, seeds, fish, leafy greens, algae, and krill

So, next time you are at the store- choose healthy fats over unhealthy or no fats!

SOURCES

• "Good Fat vs Bad Fat." Good Fats 101. Omega-9 Oils, n.d. Web.