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Wise Choices
All Fats Are Not Created Equal
By Elizabeth Yarnell
Trans Fat
Trans fats, or "partially hydrogenated oils," are entirely different. These are industrially synthesized fats designed to increase the shelf-life of processed foods, make an oil more solid, provide longer fry-life for cooking oils and create a certain kind of texture in store-bought baked foods. The problem with trans fats is that they harden arteries and cause major clogs, cause insulin resistance and contribute to Type 2 diabetes, and can contribute to other serious health problems. The goal should be to eliminate all trans fats from your diet. In many ways this is the single best move you can make for your health. So, in review, there are 4 kinds of fats:
- The good fats: Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
- Fats to eat in moderation: Saturated fats found in animal products.
- The really bad fats to avoid: Partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats.
It is popular to demonize all fat in our culture, but the smart thing to do when planning out meals is to choose our fat sources wisely and remember that all fats are not created equal.
Here is a recipe that is high in the good fats, with creamy avocado and sesame oil contributing monounsaturated fats and salmon with its omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. It will fill you up without clogging your arteries!
