DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD FAT VS BAD FAT

Not all fats are created equal when it comes to dietary fat. Some fats are helpful to human health, while others are toxic. Here's a closer look at the distinctions between healthy and bad fats.

GOOD FAT:

Good fats, or unsaturated fats, are found in healthy foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, fatty fish, and olive oil. They can help reduce inflammation, promote brain health, and lower cholesterol levels. Unsaturated fats can be categorized into two types.

MONOUNSATURATED FATS: 

Foods like nuts, avocados, and olive oil have unsaturated fats that can lower LDL cholesterol levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and provide essential nutrients such as vitamin E.

POLYUNSATURATED FATS: 

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are present in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. These good fats benefit brain function, and heart health, and decrease inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

BAD FAT: 

Unhealthy foods such as fast food, fried foods, and processed snacks contain bad fats, also known as saturated and trans fats. These fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, inflammation in the body, and higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

SATURATED FAT: 

Red meat, full-fat dairy products, and coconut oil are high in these. While recent evidence indicates that saturated fats may be less dangerous than previously assumed, they should still be ingested in moderation.

TRANS FAT: 

Trans fats found in fried foods, baked products, and margarine, are the most harmful type of fat as they increase LDL cholesterol levels and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol levels. WHO advocates for their elimination from the global food supply.

Eating healthy fats and limiting harmful fats can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are good for health, while saturated and trans fats are harmful.