People consider fat to be the root cause of their body being fat. Many of them think getting rid of this fat will cure their weight loss problems. In reality, the case is a lot different. Fats are an important component part of our body. Our bodies cannot survive without fat. Fats are an essential part of a healthy diet. Fats serve various different functions like keeping our skin soft, delivering fat-soluble vitamins and they are also a great source of energizing fuel. Fats can be distributed between two categories based on their effects on the body. There are good fats and bad fats as well.
What are bad fats?
Saturated and trans fats are considered to be potentially harmful to your heart. Food products such as butter, margarine, shortening, beef or pork contain saturated fats and trans fats and should be strictly avoided or eaten in minimum amounts.
Saturated fats are primarily animal- based and are found in high-fats meats and dairy products. Excess saturated fats increase blood cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein levels. This can increase the risk of heart disease and may also increase type 2 diabetes too.
Trans fatty acids can easily be found in food products containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. These are most harmful fats for the body. These fats can be found in fried foods, margarine, baked food items etc.
Why avoid bad fats?
Bad fats adversely affect your body a lot. They increase disease risk and heart risks too. Trans fat, which comes under the bad fat category is primarily found in processed food items. Trans fat is partially hydrogenated oil which increased blood cholesterol levels and therefore should be avoided.
What are good fats?
Fats which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are considered more beneficial for heart and thus called as good fats. These healthier fats tend to stay in liquid form when they are at room temperature.
Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the good fatty acids which can easily be obtained from seafood like fish and oysters. These reduce the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac attacks. Seafood like fishes contains Vitamin D, selenium and certain other helpful nutrients.
Vegetable oils are also very much helpful for the body since they help to lower the cholesterol levels from the blood. Vegetable oils contain unsaturated fat known as omega 6s which can be found in food items like corn, soybean oils and sunflower.
Fats might be considered bad for weight but there are some fats which are necessary for the body. Therefore a healthy balance between adequate amounts of fats should be kept in your diet. Rather than cutting down fats in your diet focus on eating good fats which can help your body to maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels.