Wednesday, December 27, 2006
We’re reminded of the dangers of fatty foods in our diets constantly. Most foods contain several different kinds of fat. But some fats are decidedly better than others.
Too much fat in your diet can have a negative impact on an individual’s health, leading to excessive weight gain, diabetes and cancer. However, it’s not necessary to eliminate all fats from your meals; rather, choose the best types of fat and enjoy them in moderation. Healthier forms of fat can actually reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower cholesterol levels in the body’s blood.
Here is a quick overview of healthy fats, and the foods that are the best sources:
• Monounsaturated fat: It is found in olive, peanut and canola oils. Avocados and most nuts also possess high amounts of monounsaturated fat.
• Polyunsaturated fat: It is typically included in vegetable oils, such as safflower, corn, sunflower, soy and cottonseed oils.
• Omega-3: This is a key ingredient found in many seafood sources. Sources of omega 3s include fatty, cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. Flaxseeds, flax oil and walnuts likewise possess omega-3 fatty acids. Soybean and canola oils also contain smaller amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
Source: Mayo Clinic
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