Having touched briefly on the good fats here on the site, I will now go into more detail. When I talk about the good fats, I am referring to polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fatty acids. Omega 3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, known as polyunsaturated fats.
Polyunsaturated fats decrease the risk of developing heart disease and boost immunity and cell function. Foods like herring, salmon, mackerel, trout, sunflower seeds and walnuts all contain polyunsaturated fats. All fats contain calories, so moderation is key. Good fats contribute to a healthier choice of lifestyle and will benefit our health in the longer term.
Monounsaturated fats help reduce bad cholesterol, while helping to increase the good cholesterol. They provide essential fatty acids, which like polyunsaturated fats, also help maintain bodily functions by the absorption of nutrients, maintain healthy cells and brain function.
The key to any healthy diet is to replace trans fats and hydrogenated fats with the good fats. Monounsaturated fats when used in cooking remains stable that does not turn to either saturated or hydrogenated fats, ‘the bad fats.’
Foods such as walnuts, almonds, olive oil, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and nuts all contain monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are also a good source of Vitamin E; an antioxidant that is also good for the skin.
Extra Virgin olive oil contains phenols and phytochemicals that helps boost the immune system. Fats in general can be high in calories and should be consumed as part of an active healthy lifestyle.
I agree. It is really important for us to be aware of our fat intake and your explanation of good versus bad fats is really useful.
I actually prefer fish to meat now so my fat intake is not high from that source but it is helpful to know the other main sources of good fats too.
Also with improvements in food labelling, it is becoming easier and easier to establish the content of the foods that we eat. We are aware of the need to double check.
After all, we are what we eat.
I totally agree with all your points you've mentioned. It is definitely easier for us to establish the contents of what we eat through easier labeling. Of course the right fats are important so we need to know what those are. Thanks for posting.
Good Information for someone who has a medical condition, requiring them to reduce fat in their diet.
You are absolutely right Randy, I agree with you totally.
I agree with you. Good information for everybody.
Even if we don't need to reduce our fat intake, eating saturated fats can lead to heart attack and strokes and other health problems.
Yes of course.
I have to remember to listen to my head not my stomach!
Good point and I agree.