Tag: saturated fats
Facts on Fats: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
by admin on Jan.30, 2008, under Food and Drinks, Health & Fitness
There are three types of fat: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated.
Monounsaturated fats — including olive oil, sesame oil, canola oil, almond oil, flax oil, and fish oil — are good fats. These contain essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that are critical in brain development and function, skin health, vascular health, proper immune function, fertility, and normal physical development.
Polyunsaturated fats, such as margarine, corn oil, hydrogenated safflower oil, and sunflower oil, also contain essential fatty acids. Unfortunately, these fats are highly refined and contain large amounts of trans fat. Trans fat, created by hydrogenating vegetable oil to make it spreadable, is implicated in both cancer and heart disease.
Saturated fats are the bad kind of fat. Included in this category is butter, peanut oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and lard. These saturated fats elevate cholesterol and triglyceride levels, leading to an increased chance of heart attack and stroke. These oils are best avoided.
by Dr. Mao
For more information => http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/1165/health-tips-about-oil-pros-and-cons