Did you know that not all fats are bad for you? Fats supply our bodies with vitamins, energy, and essential fatty acids that we must get from the food we eat. If you’re like most people, your favorite foods are laden with fat (and probably not the good kind). So what is bad fat and what is good fat? Saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol are considered bad for you. These fats are found in fried foods, fatty meat, processed foods, and creams, to name a few. When consumed regularly, these fats can lead to artery and heart issues, as well as high cholesterol.

Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are the good fats that your body needs. These fats are found in nuts, vegetable oils like olive oil, and fatty fish. Avocados also contain these good fats! Unsaturated fats are needed to supply the body with essential fatty acids and have also been linked to improved brain function and reduced inflammation. You must remember that fats are fats and even though a food is considered a good fat, you must limit the amount you eat. So before you dig into your next meal, ask yourself, “What kind of fat is that?” To read more about types of fats visit www.choosemyplate.gov or visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ website at www.eatright.org.