Are you a good fat or a bad fat?

We have all heard that some fats are good and some are bad, but what is the difference, and what are we supposed to eat, anyway?

Saturated fats:  These are from red meat, poultry, and dairy products.  Although this is a controversial subject, there is no high-quality research that shows that a moderate amount of saturated fat in the diet is bad for you.  That is what is known as the “French Paradox” which you may have heard about:  The French eat lots of meat, cream, and eggs but have a low risk of heart disease.

Monounsaturated fats:  These are fats are found naturally, and can actually decrease your risk of heart disease and diabetes! These fasts are found in  nuts, fish, avocado, and whole grain breads.

Trans fat:  These are the bad boys. Most trans fats are man-made from oils through a processing method called partial hydrogenation.  Trans fats can increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and decrease good cholesterol (HDL).  Trans fats can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. The best way to remember where trans fats are? In “junk” food: Frozen pizza, pre-prepared breakfast sandwiches, doughnuts, and those frosted cookies/pastries that come in the plastic containers at the store.

Good fats: