FOOD NEWS
What's The Difference Between Saturated And Unsaturated Fat?
By Julia Mullaney
While fats have a bad reputation, healthy fats are an essential part of our diet, as they help our bodies break down certain vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and E. However, while saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and trans fats are all lurking in everyday foods, the key difference between them comes down to what they do to our bodies.
Unsaturated fats are better for you as they help lower cholesterol over time, whereas saturated fats may raise your LDL cholesterol levels and can lead to problems like heart disease. Trans fats, on the other hand, are artificial fats that have no nutritional benefits and can be found in foods such as fried foods, pizza, and desserts such as cakes and pies.
Unsaturated fats, also known as "healthy fats," can further be divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated — monounsaturated fats are good for heart health, while polyunsaturated fats help your muscles and blood. However, while unsaturated fats could prevent heart attacks and strokes, they should still be consumed in moderation.