What you should know about fats

There are good and bad fats. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats commonly known as good fat are associated with lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels in your blood. On the other hand, trans and saturated fats, commonly known as bad fats, believed to cause clogged arteries and raises cholesterol level in your blood which causes heart decease and strokes.

You need to consume good fats in order to maintain health and metabolism. They help to heal and make new cells when older ones die. They also absorb nutrients and vitamins A, D, K and E from food that you consume. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that 20 – 35 percent of total calories adults take daily to be of fats. They also recommend not consuming trans fats.

Labeling of nutrition facts on food items are required by law. However, if the trans fat content is less than 0.5 grams, then it is not required to be listed on the label.

So, next time when you reach for butter or mayonnaise think about the harmful affect it may cause. Look for substitutes such as olive oil, avocado or even nuts.