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Difference in Fats
You've heard the terms before: saturated fats, (poly)unsaturated fats, and monounsaturated fats...but what the heck does it all mean? Doctors and nutritionist are telling you that you should limit your saturated fat intake, but you don't really understand what saturated fats are. I know, I've been there too. We're on this journey together! I'll tell you what I've learned. :).
Saturated Fats Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature. Think about what happens to bacon grease when it goes from frying hot to room temperature. It becomes a solid. Saturated fats are not healthy to use regularly because they contribute to heart disease. If you see the fat becoming a solid on the outside, imagine what it is doing inside of your body.
Saturated fats may be good to our taste buds, but they are not good for our bodies. These fats raise total blood cholesterol especially LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). They are found in margarine, butter, coconut oil, animal fat, vegetable oils and shortenings, and many processed foods. Unsaturated Fats Unsaturated fats or polyunsaturated fats are more healthy than saturated fats but still not the healthiest fats. Unsaturated fats degrade faster when cook and can also spoil within several weeks, even at room temperature. Unsaturated fats are often made into saturated fats by food manufacturers. When we see hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated on a food label, that's the manufactures way of saying, Sure, there was a healthier fat available, but we decided that saturated fat would be better. Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated on a food label usually means that unsaturated fat was altered and became saturated fat, the most unhealthy fat.
Unsaturated fats are better than saturated fats. They are found in sunflower seed oil, corn oil, and foods high in omega 3. Monounsaturated Fats Monounsaturated fats are the healthiest for daily use. These fats usually remain in liquid form even at room temperature but are best served uncooked (unaltered).
Monounsaturated fats are the healthiest fats. Monounsaturated fats can be food in olive oil, canola oil, and sesame oil. Monounsaturated fats lower total cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels, while increasing the HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Good vs. Bad Cooking Oils
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