Types of Fat

Health expert suggest that we cut down on the amount of fat we eat, especially foods containing saturated fat.

High intakes of fat are linked to health problems and can lead to obesity (overweight).

Fats are concentrated sources of energy and many fats contain vitamins A and D which are important for good health.

The three main types of fat are saturates, monounsaturates and polyunsaturates.

Saturated fat
Saturated fat may raise blood cholesterol levels which may cause heart disease. Saturated fats are found in meat products such as pies and sausages, dairy produce and cakes and biscuits’ made from hydrogenated vegetable oil or butter.
Some food labels tell you how much of the total fats is from saturates. Some labels show the amounts of monounsaturates and polyunsaturates.
Most foods are mixtures of saturates, monounsaturates, and polyunsaturates.

Monounsaturates
Monounsaturates are not associated with heart disease and are found in olive oil and rape seed oil.

Polyunsaturates
Polyunsaturates lower blood cholesterol levels and are found in sunflower oil and soya oil.
Types of Fat