Different Types of Fat

There are four main types of fats that make up the fat in food:   

Healthy fats (unsaturates):

  • Monounsaturated fats/Monounsaturates
  •  Polyunsaturated fats/Polyunsaturates
    • Omega-3 fat
    • Omega-6 fat

Unhealthy fats:

  • Saturated fats
  • Trans fats

The different fats behave differently in our bodies, and the impact does vary on our risk for certain diseases.

Healthy Fats

Type of Fat

Major Food Sources

Monounsaturated Fat / Monounsaturates

Olive, canola and peanut oils, avocados, non-hydrogenated margarines, nuts and seeds

Polyunsaturated Fat / Polyunsaturates

  • Omega-6 Fat

     

  • Omega 3 Fat

 

Safflower, sesame, sunflower and corn oils, non-hydrogenated margarines, nuts and seeds

Fattier fish, canola and soybean oils, flax seed, omega-3 eggs, walnuts, pecans and pine nuts

Unhealthy Fats

Type of Fat

Major Food Sources

Saturated Fat / Saturates

 

 

Trans Fats

In many prepared foods made with hydrogenated oils, as well as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, butter, lard, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil and cocoa butter

In all foods made with shortening or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, and many snack foods, fast foods and ready-prepared foods

Tips of the Week

Experiment with recipes and reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ to 1/3. Use cinnamon, vanilla or almond extract to add flavour rather than sweetness.

Recipe of the Week

Citrus and Herb Infused Whitefish

Question of the Week

Are nuts good for the heart?
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