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 Fats: A Primer
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Polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) are "desirable fats" that include both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. When substituted for products high in SAFAs and not increasing caloric intake, foods with Omega 6 and Omega 3 can help maintain heart health and help the body digest important nutrients. You can find polyunsaturated fats in vegetable oils like canola, corn, sunflower and soybean.
Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) are "desirable fats" and better choices because they can actually help maintain heart health when substituting them for food with saturated fats. They are found in olive, canola, and peanut oils, as well as foods like peanut butter and mayonnaise.
Saturated Fats are "less desirable" fats. Solid or nearly solid at room temperature, they are used in many processed foods. All animal fats (meat, poultry and dairy) contain some saturated fat. They encourage the body to produce more cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Trans Fats are "less desirable" fats. While some trans fats are found naturally in meat and dairy products, most are created through a manufacturing process that turns fat from liquid into solid fat. The solids — used to keep manufactured foods fresh — have been linked to elevated LDL or "bad" blood cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease.
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