Fats

No one should be scared by the word "fat". Most wouldn't be scared of hearing about Omega-3 fatty acids because of the news and magazines, but they require fat-they area after all "fatty acids". Fat is good for the body in many ways! It's important to include fats in a daily diet. And the sources may be surprising.

Diets have been created that involve eating high amounts of protein and very little fat and carbohydrates. Lack of adequate amounts of fats in the diet can lead to poor skin health, poor heart health, vision problems and more. Bottom line, the body needs fat. But the body needs the "right" fat.

Sources:There are 3 types of fats you can obtain from your diet: saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and trans fats. Trans fats have mostly been removed from products due to the HIGH risk of developing plaques in the arteries which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The easiest was way tell if a fat is saturated is whether or not it is solid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats are more liquid at room temperature. It is highly recommended to consume unsaturated fats due to the body's ability to use these fats better and hence be healthier for you.

How much? Of course moderation is crucial when it comes to fat. Fat provides the most calories relative to amount consumed. So, we need to watch how much fat we are eating. Generally it is recommended to eat less than 10% of your total calories per day in unsaturated fat. Check the labels on the food your are eating, you may be surprised.