Did you know?

Fat has a bad reputation. Many people hear the words “fat” or “fats” and immediately think the worst. Fats go by many names, including lipids, fatty acids, vegetable fats, animal fats, and oils. While some fats can be harmful when consumed in excess, many fats are actually helpful to the body. Educating oneself about the different types of fats can make for a more well-rounded diet.

• Saturated fats: These are solid at room temperature and tend to come from animal products and processed foods. A large intake of saturated fats can increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. • Monounsaturated fats: This “healthy” fat may lower LDL cholesterol and keep HDL cholesterol at higher levels when saturated fats are held in check.

• Polyunsaturated fats: These fats also are considered good for cardiovascular health and are commonly known as the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are found in certain seeds, fatty fish and nuts. • Trans fats: Trans fats are synthetically manufactured by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. They are not good for a person’s health, but they have been widely used in the past because they tend to be stable and inexpensive and can improve shelf life of processed products. It is important to distinguish between helpful and harmful fats so a body gets the healthy fuel it needs.