Good Fat vs Bad Fat

Understanding good fat vs bad fat is an important part of healthy eating.

Fats have gotten a lot of negative attention over the last decade and maybe deservedly so. However, fats come in many different forms, and knowing what the essential fatty acids are paramount to maintaining optimum health.

Fats are a source of energy used by your body.

1 gram of Fat = 9 calories.

For people counting calories and trying to lose weight consuming high-fat diets may not be the best route to take.

Benefits of Fats

Fats provide your body energy. They also provide a cushion for organs, acting as a safeguard, while helping to maintain your body temperature. "Good" fats, like Omega-3s have the variety of health benefits listed below.

Good Fat vs Bad Fat

Fats come in many different forms and this can lead to confusion on which fats you should or should not consume.

1. Monounsaturated Fat – This is a good fat that is very heart healthy. They can be found in nuts and olive oil.
2. Polyunsaturated Fat – Consist of Omega-6s and Omega-3s.
1. There are some health benefits to Omega 6 fatty acids. They are essential to our bodies functioning. However, consuming too many can increase the risk of diseases and depression.
2. Omega 3 fatty acids, on the other hand, are something many people don’t consume enough of. Their health benefits are incredible. They help the flow of neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, through cell membranes, which translates into a better overall feeling. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a huge cause of degenerative diseases like heart disease, cancers, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. They are also big in circulation and lowering blood pressure. Foods sources for Omega-3s include flaxseed, almonds, walnuts, wild caught fish (salmon, halibut, snapper), shrimp, scallops, beans, and olive oil.
3. Saturated Fat – Studies have shown that eating saturated fats can increase cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Saturated fats actually have some health benefits like providing firmness and structure to cell membranes; however it’s best not to consume too many saturated fats.
4. Trans Fat – Unlike saturated fats, these should be completely avoided altogether. They can be toxic to your body. They’ve been predominantly shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Consumption has also been linked to an increase in the risk of other diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and diabetes.

For people with heart disease, cancer, or obesity issues it is probably best to avoid diets high in saturated and trans fats. On the flip side, consuming Omega-3s may help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancers.