Polyunsaturated Fats
Polyunsaturated fats are good for your body when consumed in moderation. This is a lipid fat that is in certain foods such as:
- Leafy greens
- Fish
- Nuts
Omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial by improving your cardiovascular health to prevent a heart attack.
Monounsaturated Fats
Dietary experts want you to eat the monounsaturated fats that are in foods such as vegetables, olive oil, or lamb. The consumption of monounsaturated fats may help diabetics control their insulin levels when combined with a healthy diet, medication, and exercise. To consume more of this healthy fat, choose these foods at the supermarket:
- Whole-grain breads
- Avocados
- Whole-milk products
Remember to measure the foods that contain monounsaturated fats to avoid gaining weight.
Trans Fats
Trans fats are known by other names, including:
- Trans-fatty acids
- Trans unsaturated fatty acids
The foods that contain this fat include margarine, fried foods, and baked goods. By reading the labels on food products at a supermarket, you can determine if it has unhealthy trans-fatty acids that can lead to cardiovascular disease. Researchers believe that trans fats are responsible for most of the cardiac disease deaths in the United States. The consumption of foods containing trans fats can also lead to obesity, diabetes mellitus, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are also considered a bad fat, and this type of fat is primarily in dairy products, meat, and certain types of oils. Some of the foods that are highest in saturated fats include:
- Cheese
- Palm oil
- Butter
- Ice cream
- Sausage
Medical researchers believe that the consumption of saturated fats can lead to clogged arteries and blood vessels, requiring your heart to work harder. Individuals who consume a lot of saturated fat are more likely to develop breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer.