Is it true that dietary fat is bad for me?
No, dietary fat is essential. However, knowing how to choose fat from healthier sources can help to meet your dietary needs for fat without added health risk. Healthy fats come from sources typically liquid at room temperature, such as oils. Checking food labels for foods higher in mono- and poly-unsaturated fats and lower in saturated and trans-fats can help you to identify foods that would be better choices. However, all fat is a dense source of calories and should be limited to only about 30% of total calories each day, regardless of food source.
With the notable exception of trans fats (they are indisputably bad), there is no type of dietary fat that is categorically good or bad. What makes it so is the quality of the fat and how it has been processed. Saturated fats are not categorically good or bad. Unsaturated fats are not categorically good or bad. What makes a fat beneficial or harmful to your health is its quality and how it has been extracted from its source. I emphasize this point because it's so different from what most marketing and outdated nutrition wisdom will have us believe.
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Eat Naked: Unprocessed, Unpolluted, and Undressed Eating for a Healthier, Sexier You
Eat Naked with Margaret Floyd for a Sexier You Are you fed up with counting calories? Confused by all the diet hype? Want to eat delicious, real food and look and feel great? Leading...
You have to remember that fat is not bad. We all need a balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in our diet. The problem is people have too much fat in their diets that cause the problem. In some cases I have seen people will consume two to three times more fat than they really need. Of course all of those foods we love so much is always high in calories and in fat. So learn how to moderate your fat and track what you are taking in to help keep your dietary fat in a range that will be healty for you.
Too much of anything can be bad for you. But in the proper amounts, all fats make a contribution to good health. Keep total fats below 35% of your diet with saturated fats no more that 10% of your daily calorie allotment. Fats from fish, nuts and many vegetables are important contributors to our long-term health. Please see our Sharecare Fitness Application under the Coach tab for ideal menu examples that will allow you to reach your health & fitness goals. Click here for access: http://www.sharecare.com/home/coach
Continue Learning about Fats
Fats
At 9 calories per gram, fats can add up quickly in your diet, yet experts recommend that you get only 7% of your calorie intake from fat. Fats also affect your cholesterol, and there are both good and bad fats. The best kind of fa...
ts are called unsaturated fats, and can be found in oils like olive and canola oils, nuts and seeds. These fats can help your body get rid of cholesterol. Saturated fats often have had hydrogen added to them to make them more solid. Other saturated fats are found in cream, butter and meats. They can raise your blood cholesterol. Its wise to learn which is which and check nutrition labels to make proper choices.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.