Are you consuming enough healthy fat? According to the American Heart Association, most people are not!
Fats get a bad rap even though they are one of the three macronutrients your body needs for survival. Dietary fats are essential, and they give your body energy, support cell growth, protect your organs, keep you warm, produce important hormones and help your body absorb other nutrients.
There are three different types of fats found in the foods we eat— trans, saturated and unsaturated. Though all three bring something unique to the table, it is well documented that unsaturated fats are by far the most beneficial to your health. This is because they contain substances called monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids — important structures that help lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, help with cell growth, ease inflammation, stabilize heart rhythms and improve brain health.
The fats you should be incorporating into your diet are predominantly unsaturated fats as well as some healthy saturated fats in moderation. Browse the chart below to identify some foods in each group.
Remember: Fat is not the enemy! By being more conscious about your nutrition choices and incorporating more unsaturated fats into your diet, you can reap fats’ benefits and be on your way to a healthier mind and body.
By: Megan McKee