Good Fats

For many years we have been afraid of fats. Fat in our diet has been blamed for obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Unfortunately, the alternative has been labeled “low fat” foods and restrictive diets that do not give our bodies what they need in order to stay nourished. The cutting out of fat has actually done a lot more harm than good. The problem is not fat itself, but the type of fats and how much you consume.

Reducing your intake of some types of fats reduces the risk of several chronic diseases, but other types of fats are absolutely essential to our health and well-being. If all of this fat talk just has you confused, dont worry. Good fats are liquid at room temperature and turn cloudy when kept in refrigerator. Some sources are plant oils like canola oil, peanut oil, and olive oil. Other good sources are avocados, nuts, and seeds such as sesame or sunflower seeds. Research has concluded that the consumption of these healthy fats actually promote a healthier body. Those following traditional Mediterranean diets, which are very high in foods containing mono unsaturated fats like olive oil, tend to have lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Saturated and trans fats are the fats which we all need to stay away from. Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature and have a high melting point. Red meat, whole milk, coconut, and palm oil all contain saturated fats. Saturated fat can increase your cholesterol putting you more at risk for cardiovascular problems. Trans fats are even more problematic than saturated fats. Trans fat is found in baked goods, deep fried food, crackers, candies, and other processed foods.

It is very important to not only eat a balanced diet, but a balanced diet including healthy fats. Each meal should be well rounded meaning that it should include a food from each of the food groups in a small portion. If you do not eat enough good fats, try buying eggs with Omega 3&undefined;s in them, or snacking on a handful of nuts from time to time. There are easy ways to incorporate healthy fats into your diet-not only will your heart thank you but you will notice a difference in your skin complexion and digestive system as well.