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Monounsaturated fats are far healthier than polysaturated or trans fat. Most of our foods contain a variety of fats. There's, monounsaturated and trans fats, saturated, polyunsaturated and for the sake of our health, we really should learn which are better for us.

Completely eliminating fat from our diet is unnecessary and unhealthy. Our bodies need a certain amount of fat each day to help move essential A, D, E, and K vitamins into the body. Fat is also needed to produce bile in the gallbladder.

However, a little fat goes a long way. An excess amount of fat, especially saturated/trans fat, can cause serious problems such as obesity, heart disease and gallstones. Unsaturated fats (polyunsturated and monounsaturated) lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Omega-3 fatty acids, (polyunsaturated fat) are heart-healthy fats that help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. The kinds of foods with high amounts of monounsaturated fat include nuts, olive oil, canola oil and avocados. Seafood such as mackerel, salmon and herring are also high in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Saturated/trans fats are the fats that should be avoided as they can increase blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. This type of fat comes from animal sources such as red meat and pork. Our bodies produce cholesterol naturally so consuming foods from animal sources such as meat, poultry and eggs, overloads our system with unneeded cholesterol.

Rather than eliminating all fat from your diet, choose healthier ones. For instance; you can choose olive oil or canola oil over butter or vegetable oil. Avocados make an excellent substitute for cheese on sandwiches and in salads. Include fish high in omega 3s such as mackerel or salmon.

With today's epidemic of obesity and increase in heart disease, diabetes and cancer, there seems to be a growing trend in what is being called, "The Jesus Diet."

Dr. Don Colbert, author of the book, "What would Jesus eat?" believes that the "Jesus Diet," is the best way to get healthy, slim and trim.

"And they gave him [Jesus] a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them." (Luke 24:42)

Dr Colbert said that the Savior ate mostly natural foods and vegetables such as beans and lentils. He would have eaten a lot of wheat bread, fruit, and it's widely known that He drank red wine. However, He probably ate meat, only on special occasions.

Nevertheless, avoid all Saturated/trans fats and substitute with healthier monounsaturated fats for overall better health. And following the Lord's example is always a good idea in any situation.

Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/heal th/fat/NU00262
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/hea lth/4541849.stm

Learn more about this author, Pat Lunsford.
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