Fat Facts

Posted by Lee-Anne Moore on 18 January 2010 | 0 Comments

Further to our email sent earlier this week, here are some more facts about fat - ie: some FAT FACTS!

Fat is 1 of 3 essential categories of our diet together with carbohydrates & protein. Without a healthy amount of fat in our diet our health will be compromised & we will get sick. Our bodies need fat & oil to help us absorb vitamins & nutrients. There are different types of fats that when used or prepared inappropriately will cause health issues.

Saturated Fat: Largely animal-derived fats that solidify when cooled. Widely, yet INCORRECTLY considered to be "bad fats". Common examples include butter & coconut oil. Healthier to cook with these (organic if possible) because the chemical structure is more stable & does not become a trans-fat when heated.

Unsaturated Fat: Largely plant-derived fats that remain in a liquid form at most temperatures. Common examples include cold-pressed olive oil. These oils should be used cold or at room temperature. Do not cook with these oils as their chemical structure is less stable & becomes trans-fats when heated.

Trans-Fat: Not a naturally occurring fat. Rather it results from heating unsaturated fat/oil & is common in modified fats & oils. For example, it is prevalent in margarine, chips & many fried foods. They are destructive to our bodies & are widely accepted as a leading cause of ill-health.

High cholesterol does not result from fat or cholesterol intake. It is a naturally produced constituent within our body that is necessary to transport sex & stress hormones around our body. Excess cholesterol is a result of excess stress. Excess stress can be physical, chemical or emotional in nature.

So, simply, cook with saturated fats, use unsaturated fats cold as a salad dressing and avoid trans fats.

Enjoy - Lee-Anne