Healthy Tips: Good Fat and Bad Fat

Believe it or not, we actually do require fat in our diet.  However, before you run to the nearest KFC, it's important to know the difference between the types of fat.  As not all are finger licking good for you.

There are 3 different types of fats:

• Polyunsaturated - found in oils such as sunflower, corn, sesame oil, nuts and fish.  These fats help lower cholestorol levels
• Monounsaturated - found in olive, canola and peanut oils as well as nuts and seeds.  They also lower cholesterol levels
• Saturated - found in animal products such as lard, butter, cheese, cream, palm and coconut oil.  These increase cholesterol levels.

So a good basic rule for consuming fats is having the ones that are liquid at room temperature rather then solid.  Also, a healthy diet should contain no more then 30% of your daily calories from fat.

Facts taken from CanFitPro Certification Manual Fourth Edition Mar 2007