Are all fats equal? I Think Not by Doug Purcell

There are now four categories of fats. Most people are familiar with the common three which are saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fats. However since all the food engineering going on there is another addition of fats which are the notorious trans fats. Saturated Fats

There has been many studies that said saturated fats are bad for you, and yes that is true if you consume too much of it. However your body needs some saturated fats in your diet. But, monounsaturated fats should be the fat consumed most because of all its beneficial properties especially for your heart. There is no coincidence that people following the Mediterranean diet like the Greeks live a whole lot longer than Americans even though they don't have all the scientific and advanced medicine that people enjoy in the United States. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature

Sources o Saturated fats:

Meats Butter Cheese Yogurt Cream Chocolate

Polyunsaturated Fats

Polyunsaturated fats are consumed way too much by most Americans. There should be an equal balance between the two essential fatty acids. Omega six fatty acids are found in most polyunsaturated products such as vegetable oils. These are usually liquid at room temperature. The other essential fatty acid is omega 3 fatty acids which come mostly from monounsaturated fats. Studies have shown that TOO much intake of polyunsaturated acids is linked to multiple diseases.

Sources of Polyunsaturated fats:

Sunflower Sesame Walnuts Vegetable oils

Monounsaturated Fats

These are now viewed as the healthiest fat because of studies that has showed reduced of cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease.

Sources of monounsaturated fats:

Olive oil Rapeseed oil Avocados Almonds

Trans Fats

Most of the trans fats we consume come from processed food products. These fats are made by hardening vegetable oils. These fats improve the shelf life of food products and have been linked to the number one killer of Americans which is coronary heart disease. These fats should be avoided PERIOD!

Sources of trans fat:

Doughnuts Cakes and pastries Candy bars Cookies French fries Most fast food items