Good Fats Vs Bad Fats

The common buzzwords that we see in magazines, TV cooking shows, and in the media are “Good Fats” and “Bad Fats”. But what are they ? And, why is one type good and the other bad ?
Our bodies create some important substances out of fats and also use fat to store and transport various vitamins around our bodies. Fats also help with sugar and insulin metabolism and can therefore contribute towards goals of long-term weight loss and weight maintenance. So fat is an essential part of a healthy diet. And fat makes food taste better. However, not all fats are created equal – there are good fats and there are also bad fats.

The problem is that fat contains more than twice the calories of an equal amount of carbohydrates or protein. A diet with too much fat (and/or sugar) can cause weight gain, leading to obesity and a range of serious health issues. A diet low in fat (and sugar) can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.

Too much fat (particularly saturated fat and trans fat) in our diet has been linked to a range of diseases, including heart disease and some cancers. Store shelves are now lined with virtually fat-free potato chips, luncheon meats, and cookies, all concocted so people can literally have their cake and eat it too. However, beware – a product that claims to be low in fat may still be high in sugar.

Being “fat-healthy” isn’t just about avoiding the saturated fats found in meat. It’s about making sure you’re eating a good balance of the right kinds of fats.