Saturday, May 03, 2008

Fats - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

If you're a health conscious individual, you've probably heard a lot of talk lately about fats. Essential fatty acids, trans fats, saturated fats - it can all be overwhelming - especially when all you want to do is decide what to make for dinner. Use this essential guide to fats to know which ones to add to your diet, and which ones to avoid at all costs.

Good Fats
Some fats are actually good for you. They help your body to function optimally. These healthy fats are found in many foods naturally. Consider adding foods such as olive oil and nut butters to your diet - they contain these healthy foods.

Foods such as fatty fish and flax seed oil contain essential fatty acids are linked with boosting brain power and stabilizing mood. If you struggles with concentration or mood swings, you might consider adding these foods to your diet. Fish should be eaten 2-3 times per week, however, be sure to choose a fish with low mercury concentration.

Bad Fats
There are also fats that you should avoid whenever possible. Saturated fats and trans fats fall into this category. These fats raise your cholesterol - trans fat is especially destructive. It raises your bad cholesterol, and lowers your good cholesterol. Trans fat is often linked to heart disease, as well. Cut these fats out of your diet if at all possible.

To avoid these types of fats, you should read product labels carefully. Nutrition labels all list the amount of fat and trans fat that the foods contain. In 2006, the federal government initiated an action stating that all foods that contain dangerous trans fats be labeled as such. This has led manufacturers to develop alternative recipes for their products, to avoid having to label their products as dangerous.

Take a step to improve your health today. Eliminate saturated fats and trans fats from your diet. To avoid feeling unsatisfied, be sure to add in healthy fats to replace the fats you are removing. Foods high in healthy fats that also contain fiber, such as nuts and nut butters, are a great way to control appetite and feel satisfied. As you plan your daily meals, especially if you are on a weight loss diet, be sure to add in good fats and take out bad fats. It is a relatively small adjustment to make, but benefits your health in many ways.


Karl Warren is the owner of 'Fight Your Flab... Fast' - a new site dedicated to helping you achieve your perfect body. If you are serious about losing weight, or you simply want to slim down a little, you should check out http://www.fightyourflabfast.com/blog now.

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