Not all fats are created equal - there are bad fats and good fats and your diet should include only the good ones and as little of the bad ones as possible. According to www.mayoclinic.com, some dietary fats promote good health so it is important to keep some fat in your diet.
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A recent study released by Ohio State University showed that a daily dose (1 2/3 teaspoons) of safflower oil, not only improved cholesterol and cardiovascular health, over 18 months, it also reduced abdominal fat and increased muscle tissue. Safflower oil is tasteless, odor less and a good option to cook with especially with these benefits.
Good dietary fats include Monounsaturated Fats (MUFAs) and Polyunsaturated Fats (PUFAs) - these fats are commonly found in oils such as safflower, olive and peanut. In accordance with the new findings of the Ohio State Study, the Mayo Clinic states that when consumed in moderation, MUFAs and PUFAs may help decrease heart disease, improve cholesterol and help with patients that have Type 2 diabetes. A good way to remember if a fat is a good dietary fat or not is these are typically liquid in form at room temperature.
Bad dietary fats include Saturated Fats and Trans Fats. Saturated fats are derived from animals, such as butter, or beef or pork fat. These fats, opposite of MUFAs and PUFAs, actually raise cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. Trans fats, created during food processing by partial hydrogenation of unsaturated fats, are typically called industrial or synthetic trans fats. They are often found in processed foods because they increase the shelf life of food. While many food manufacturers have removed trans fats from their products, it is still very important to check the label. These dietary fats are typically found in solid state in room temperature, hence the name solid fats.
With these two divisions in mind, it is important to cut down on your solid fats and for your heart health, it is just as important to increase your intake of MUFAs and PUFAs. While dieting, constricting your fat intake is typically a good idea but do not eliminate all fats from your diet. Your body needs some fat (your MUFAs and PUFAs) to function properly. In moderation and over time, benefits such as reduced belly fat and lower cholesterol are only the beginning of a healthier lifestyle.
