Good Fats and Bad Fats

Although it is quite clear to us what are good fats and which are the ones responsible for health problems but did you know that even though coconut is a rich source of saturated fats it is a healthy fat option.This is because the saturated fat it offers is in the form of medium chained triglycerides.

Hence you will need to know in detail how fats actually work and which fats are best for your body.

Misconceptions About Cholesterol

Cholesterol is an integral part of liver, nervous system and brain. The thing to understand is cholesterol itself is not a problem. It is the disturbance in the ratio of HDL (high density lipoprotein) to LDL (low density lipoproteins) that is harmful for the health.

LDL is better known as the “bad cholesterol” because it can oxidize the arteries and hence weaken the system. It is the high content of LDL that is responsible for atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease and stroke.

Factors that trigger accumulation of LDL in the body are stress, passive lifestyle, excess sugar, salt and refined carbohydrates in the diet.

On the other hand, a physically active lifestyle, garlic, onion, hazelnut, oily fish and olive oil improve HDL levels in blood. HDL dissolves the cholesterol and enhances its elimination from the body.

Why Fats are Important?

Fats keep the skin, nails and hair moisturized. Without fats the tissues and the cells would dry out. They form integral parts of important hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, adrenaline and non-adrenaline.

It is for the same reason that low fat diet leads to hormonal imbalance.

Best Available Fats

Omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids are the best fats available. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in sardines, trout, salmon, mackerel, halibut, avocados, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds.

Omega 6 fatty acids are found in pine nuts, pecan nuts, sunflower seeds and cashews. Mono- unsaturated fats like olives and avocados form integral part of healthy cooking.

Fats to Avoid

Excess saturated fats such as present in meat and dairy products must be avoided. These create imbalance in the HDL to LDL ratio. Tran fats present in processed and packaged foods must be avoided.