Fats are one of the three macronutrients and are also known as lipids. Fats are an essential part of the diet and are necessary for life for both children and adults. Learn more about the three types below!
- Unsaturated Fats are typically a liquid at room temperature. You can find unsaturated fats in plants and fish. These fats can help lower bad cholesterol and prevent heart disease when they replace saturated fats in your diet.
- Saturated Fats are mostly solid at room temperature. You can find saturated fats in milk, butter, coconut oil and processed meats. These fats can raise bad cholesterol which can affect your heart. To learn more about the recommended intake reach out to your Hy-Vee Dietitian.
- Trans Fat are the unhealthiest fat of the three. They not only raise bad cholesterol but they lower good cholesterol as well!
Why have people avoided fat in the past?
In 1955 at the World Health Organization, a dietary expert released his lipid hypothesis which suggested fats to be unhealthy. In truth, trans fats should be avoided but fats are actually necessary for life and should be a part of everyone’s diet!
