Fats

To understand what your body requires you will need to understand the basics on fat sources.

There are 3 types of fats that we all consume good and bad. Obviously we should all concentrate on consuming more good fats than the bad.

There a number of fats available to us some of the main are in the table below.

Fats are the most concentrated form of energy which also helps with the breakdown of vitamins in the foods we digest. We require fats to also help protect and maintain healthy joints, immune system, hair quality and skin conditions.
Polyunsaturated (PUFA’s)
Known benefits of polyunsaturated fats, are lowered risk of heart attack and lessons the risk of cardiovascular disease. Polyunsaturated fats can be sourced from oily fish such as salmon, whole grain wheat, peanut butter, margarine (but be aware also contains a percentage of trans fat), bananas, sunflower seeds, hemp seed and sesame oils.
Monounsaturated (MUFA’s)
Known to be good for lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, high in the benefit for sufferers of joint pains and rheumatoid arthritis. Common sources of monounsaturated (MUFA’s) fat are nuts such as almonds & cashew, olive oil and avocados. Monounsaturated fats are a healthier choice than polyunsaturated fats.
Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA’s)
There are risks to consuming high amounts of saturated fats as they elevate the levels of cholesterol in your blood stream which in turn can induce heart attacks, strokes and narrowing of the arteries. Saturated fats are found in many foods that we eat today but you can try and choose the food sources with the lowest values. Foods with the high values are fatty meats, chocolate, deep fried foods, butter, lard, full fat milk, hard full fat cheese, full fat cream.