Fats
Other Name: Lipids
Fats play many important roles in our body, such as an energy provider, production of hormones, absorption of fat-soluble vitamin and protection against the common cold.
Unfortunately, fats have been linked to obesity and heart diseases, however it is about knowing bad and good types of fats.
1. Healthy fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are heart-healthy as they do not clog our arteries, and can reduce our bad cholesterol (LDL), while maintaining or increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
- Polyunstaturated fats (PUFAs) such as deep sea fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, mackeral, cod) and healthy oils such as olive and canola oil.
- Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) such as nuts, seeds, and avocado.
2. Unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fats as they raise bad and total cholesterol, increasing our risks of clogged arteries and heart attack risks.
- Saturated fats include lard, palm oil and full-fat dairy products such as butter, cheese and cream
- One exception is coconut oil, which are higher in medium chain triglycerides (MCT) which raise good cholesterol (HDL) instead
- Trans fats are liquid fats that undergo hydrogenation process to create solid fats at room temperature. Vegetable oils are usually hydrogenated hence they can be high in trans fat. Studies have shown that a high intake of trans fat is associated with higher risk of developing heart diseases as it increases inflammation of the blood vessels and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. Therefore it is advised to reduce consumption of foods like pizza, baked goods such as cakes, cookies, confectionary breads that are high in trans fat.
Stay Inspired with Health Trends
Is The Sunshine Vitamin Really Enough?
“Sunshine is all you need for your daily dose of Vitamin D”, or is it?
Managing Diabetes with Weight Loss: A World Diabetes Day Focus
Ate And Left No Crumbs: 6 Simple Weight Loss Tips
10 Tips To A Healthier You In Your Golden Years
In the new era of longevity, here are 10 tips to stay healthier, stronger and happier in your golden years!
Break Free from Weak Bones
Count Celebrations, Not Calories This Mid-Autumn Festival!
Love eating mooncakes, but hate the calories? Learn how to carefully tide through this decadent mooncake-bingeing season with helpful information and tips to survive!