Most people are concerned about their health but do not know where to start. One way to improve health and potentially lose weight is to stop overeating. Another way is to iincorporate more good fats and less bad fats into your diet. Unfortunately, some people believe that all fats are bad and avoid them in their diets. However, according to the American Heart Association, fats are and essential element to our diet. They provide energy and support cell growth. Fats also provide warmth and aid in nutrient absorption and hormone production. Therefore, you need to know the difference between good fats and bad fats in order to help improve your diet.
Bad Fats
Bad fats, such as butter and meat fat, contain saturated and trans fats which increase LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Good Fats
Good fats, such as those found in liquid oils like canola, olive, and avocado, reduce the amount of LDL (bad) and increase HDL (good) cholesterol in the body.
As with all things, moderation is the key. Eating a diet high in fat and too many calories can cause weight gain. The trick is to balance calorie intake with physical activity, modify or reduce your fat intake, and eating a variety of foods to ensure adequate nutrient consumption.