by Mona Gallagher

Created on: August 08, 2007

Do we need to identify fats one from another? Our bodies require a certain amount of fat for energy stores, but which are the healthy fats?

It is important to know and recognize the different kinds of fats for nutrition and calorie value, but we also need to be aware of the consequences of consuming too many of the wrong fats. Its not all about weight gain. That's only one of the problems associated with fatty acids.

All fats provide some benefit to our bodies, the question is, which ones provide the most health benefits and in what quantities? Unsaturated fats are the healthier fats. We find them in fish and plant foods. One visible difference in saturated and unsaturated fats is that saturated fats turn into a solid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats remain in liquid form.

Evidence shows positive health benefits from diets rich in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. These, and fish, nuts and low fat diet supply the unsaturated fats needed in our diet.

A typical food that contains unsaturated fat is cooking oil. Canola and corn oil are made from plant oils. Olive oil is another that has great cholesterol benefits. Not only can you cook with olive oil, but also cosmetics and soaps are made from olive oil. Vegetable oils are known as monounsaturated fats.

Fish and some plants also contain omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are known for benefits in promoting good health. Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fat. Omega-3 can be taken in capsule form.

The typical American diet contains from 25 to 35 grams of fat daily. That amount is about three to four times more than we require. It's not a great mystery that obesity, heart and cholesterol conditions are becoming national health problems.

Saturated fats come from animals. Our intake of saturated fats should be about 8% daily.

American diet

Saturated fats 12%
Monounsaturated fat 11%
Polyunsaturated fat 6%

Mediterranean diet

Saturated fats 8%
Monounsaturated fats 13%
Polyunsaturated fat 5%

The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits and vegetables and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids. This diet is recommended for lowering cholesterol levels. The dietary patterns of the Mediterranean diet are presented as a comparison because the adult life expectancy of these areas were among the highest in the world; with low rates of coronary heart disease.

Is it important to recognize and use healthy fats? It is if you want to improve cholesterol levels and live longer.

Source:
http://americanheart.org

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