Good Fat, Bad Fat And Dangerous Fat. Learn The Difference.

When you think of the word "fat", what comes to mind? Double chins and dimpled thighs? Heart attacks and high cholesterol?

The truth is, not all fat is bad for you. In fact, some fat is quite good for you. The American Heart Association recommends that fat comprise up to 35% of your body's daily calories; that's approximately one third of your overall caloric intake! Fat helps your body absorb nutrients and supplies it with essential acids that allow it to run smoothly, like a well-oiled machine. The trick is to know what kinds of fat are good for you, and how much you should eat.

Good Fat:

"Unsaturated" fat is good fat. Chemically speaking, monounsaturated fat contains one double bond per molecule, whereas polyunsaturated fat contains two or more double bonds. Both types of unsaturated fat have been shown to lower LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) and raise HDL (the "good" cholesterol), thereby protecting heart health. Canola oil, olive oil, fish, seeds, and nuts are five popular sources of unsaturated fat in the American diet.

Bad Fat:

"Saturated" fat has a reputation for being unhealthy; researchers have linked excessive saturated fat intake to obesity, heart disease, and several types of cancer. In spite of these findings, some scientists contend that saturated fat, in moderation, is not harmful, and in fact may be one of your best tools for raising good cholesterol (HDL). Butter, meat, eggs, cheese, and certain oils (coconut, palm) are high in saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends that 7% or less of your daily caloric intake come from this substance.

Dangerous Fat:

"Trans" fat is the most dangerous fat on the market. Artificially created by food manufacturers, trans fat is unsaturated fat that has been infused with hydrogen to help lengthen the shelf life of certain foods, particularly packaged and baked goods. Unlike saturated and unsaturated fat, artificially-created trans fat has no redeeming health qualities whatsoever. Consumption of trans fat (most often found in the form of "hydrogenated" and "partially hydrogenated" oil) has been directly linked to high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends that you consume as little trans fat as possible. The best way to do this is to check ingredients lists at the supermarket for hydrogenated and/or partially hydrogenated oil.

Love Your Fat:

It's okay to eat fat, as long as you consume it sensibly. Understanding the three major types of fat—unsaturated, saturated, and trans—will help you make informed decisions when you shop and eat out. Consuming mostly unsaturated fats, with a little bit of saturated fat thrown in, is one of the best ways to protect yourself against obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

About the Author:
Cinergy Health & Life Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing quality health and life insurance plans for people in a variety of life situations. For more information on a selection of health and insurance topics, visit the Cinergy Health & Life Learning Center at www.cinergyhealth.com .

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

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