Why you need fat in your diet!

Fats have long been considered a dietary villain, but not all fats are created equal. In fact, some fats are essential for good health and should be included in a well-balanced diet.

Bad fats, also known as saturated fats, are typically found in animal products such as red meat and butter. Trans fats, often found in processed foods and fried foods, have negative health effects.

Saturated fats have traditionally been considered "bad" because they can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. However, recent research suggests that the relationship between saturated fat and heart disease may not be as clear cut as previously thought.

Saturated fats

Saturated fats can be found in animal-based products such as meat, butter, and cheese. They are also found in some plant-based oils like coconut and palm oil. While it is true that consuming high levels of saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol, it also raises HDL (good) cholesterol which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Additionally, some studies have found that saturated fat may not be as strongly linked to heart disease as previously thought. In fact, some research suggests that saturated fat may not be as harmful as previously believed when it's consumed as part of a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts, which are all protective factors for heart health.

It is important to note that not all saturated fats are created equal and some saturated fats may be more harmful than others, such as those found in processed foods. Also, it's important to keep in mind that the overall diet and lifestyle are also important in maintaining cardiovascular health.

So, while saturated fats should still be consumed in moderation, it is not all bad and some saturated fats can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Trans fats

Trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, are a type of unsaturated fat that are created through a process called hydrogenation. This process involves adding hydrogen atoms to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid, which increases their shelf life and stability.