What is Fat, and How to Distinguish Between Good and Bad Fats
What is fat? In simple terms, fat is a nutrient our body needs. Despite dieting claims that insist we should not consume fat, it is actually necessary to the body and you cannot live without it. Fat is full of energy and gives us the ability to function every day. In addition, fats are a great liaison for other nutrients to absorb into our bodies.
Fat in its most organic form, fat can appear as a liquid or solid. This, of course, depends on its structure and composition, and we often see different variations of this kind of fat in our foods. If a fat is a liquid, we generally refer to this type as oil. This can be quite common in the kitchen and includes olive, canola, or vegetable oils. Solid fats are a little different – think butter, lard, and shortening.
Good Fats
Good fats include a whole array of delicious foods that you really should not cut out of your diet. These good-for-your-heart foods promote a healthier you. So, if you’re tempted to remove them from your diet, resist the temptation because they are so beneficial.
Popular foods with good fats include:
- Salmon. This popular fish contains the famous Omega-3 fatty acid that our body cannot make on its own.
- Nuts. While they may have a high fat content, nuts are great for energy and provide heart-healthy fats.
- Avocado. This popular fruit is delicious on salads, sandwiches and even fish. It provides essential fats that help distribute other nutrients in our bodies.
Bad Fats
Generally speaking, there are fats you should try to stay away from. This is mainly due to their high content of saturated fat. Try to minimize:
- Butter
- Margarine
- Lard
- Shortening
- Animal fats