Good fat vs. bad fat
Myth: All fats are bad and you shouldn’t eat them.
Some fats are actually good for you. The key is to know which fats are good and which ones you should
stay away from.
good fats – where it’s at!
beware of bad fats!
• Monounsaturated fat is the best type of fat for your heart. It
lowers your bad cholesterol (LDL) without lowering your good
cholesterol (HDL). It’s found mostly in foods like olives and
olive oil, nuts and nut oils, canola oil and avocados.
• Saturated fat raises your bad cholesterol and increases
your risk for heart disease. It’s found mostly in meat,
high-fat dairy foods, butter and tropical oils, like
coconut oil or palm-kernel oil.
• Polyunsaturated fat helps lower your bad cholesterol but can
also lower your good cholesterol if you eat too much. It’s found
in soybean, corn and sunflower oils, as well as margarine,
Omega-3 fatty foods and walnuts.
• Trans fat raises your bad cholesterol and lowers your good
cholesterol, and is worse for your heart than saturated fat.
Eating Trans fat increases your risk of heart disease, stroke
and type II diabetes. It’s found mostly in hydrogenated
vegetable oils and processed foods, like cookies, crackers
and other snack foods.
While it’s a good idea to choose healthy fats over unhealthy ones, it’s important to remember that all fats, healthy or unhealthy, are
high in calories. Be sure to watch how much fat you eat. Your body needs some fat to be healthy — just make sure you’re getting the
right kind.
To get better-eating tips, tools and recipes, visit yumpower.com.
For more great tips, “like” Coach VonHealth on Facebook!
These suggestions are general guidelines, you should discuss with your provider what makes the most sense for you. The HealthPartners family of health plans is underwritten and/or administered by
HealthPartners, Inc., Group Health, Inc., HealthPartners Insurance Company or HealthPartners Administrators, Inc. Fully insured Wisconsin plans are underwritten by HealthPartners Insurance Company.
4774 (10/14) © 2012 HealthPartners