Fats Fats and more Fats!

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Many people do not understand the difference between the different types of fats! This blog is going to help you understand and decide what is a good fat and bad fat.  First, lets look at fat soluble vitamins...this means these vitamins and only be absorbed with fat! They are vitamins A, D, E, and K.  When consuming these vitamins, it is important to make sure you are also consuming some type of fat with it.  As we know, fat adds flavor to food, gives a feeling of fullness, and is a good concentrated energy source.

The two types of artery clogging fats are saturated and trans fat.   Saturated fats are found in food sources like whole/2% milk, red meat, cheese, butter/margarine, palm oil, coconut oil, and lard/shortening.  Trans fats are in most products that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.  It is important to keep your intake as low as possible.

There are also now the good heart healthy fats! These fats are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats include nuts/seeds, oils, and fish.  Mostly walnuts, sunflower seeds, corn oil, sunflower oil, salmon, mackerel, and trout. Monounsaturated sources are foods like cashews, almonds, peanuts, natural peanut butter, avocado, canola oil, and sesame oil. 

Overall, it is important to consume the poly and mono unsaturated fats and limit saturated and trans fats as much as possible!


IB

Reference:

Karen Clifford.  (2018).  Eating Your Way to a Healthier Heart. [PowerPoint slides]. 

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