There is a lot of focus on fat when it comes to dieting. After all, we want to get rid of fat, so we don’t want to take in too much fat, right? Not exactly. While certainly you want to watch your fat intake, the reality is that you do need some fat in your diet. But not all fats are created equal.

As much as possible you want to stay away from Trans Fats (hydrogenated oil, partially hydrogenated oil, and vegetable shortening), Saturated fat that includes animal fat and tropical oils (Coconut, Palm and Palm Kernel oils). These are bad because they increase the cholesterol that can lead to heart disease.  Its like eating wax. In fact, hydrogenating oil was first done to make cheap candles!

So what’s on the list of fats that are okay to eat? Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts and seeds), polyunsaturated fat (Vegetable oils, safflower, corn, sunflower, soy and cottonseed oils, nuts and seeds) and Omega-3 fatty acids (Fatty, cold-water fish like salmon mackerel and herring, flax-seeds, flax oil and walnuts).

An increase in concern over what we eat has created healthier choices in foods that contain fat. Nevertheless, many food companies are sneaky and aren’t always completely upfront in their labeling. For example a product might say it has no trans fats, but it will have tropical oils. So read labels carefully.

Tags: bad fat, good fat, omega 3, saturated fat, trans fat, tropical oils

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