Good Fats And Bad Fats And Difference Between Them

There is a lot of talk going on about good fats and bad fats, now days. And is one of the most discussed topic too. There is a lot of confusion around it, whether fats should be removed from diet completely or partially. Here, I'm gonna try to decrease that confusion as much as possible, by telling you what is what in a simple and short read. But before we go into the discussion about good and bad fats you must know what fat is? Here is what I found, when is did a google search with what is fat, Fat is a natural oily substance occurring in animal bodies, & is deposited as a layer under the skin.

So by this definition we learned two things, its natural occurring and its deposited under skin. Now lets get to point, how many types there are and why some are called good fats and some bad fats. Following are main types in dietary fats, saturated fats, trans fats and unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats can be further divided into two subcategories, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Each of them has there own sources and has unique effects on human body. Some of them, when consumed, can reduce the chances of heart diseases, blood pressure and many more health hazards, while other when consumed can increase those chances.

Saturated Fats

There are many definitions of saturated fats, but let me give you a simple a definition. Fats that are solid at room temperature are saturated fats. (And every definition you open will say this in end). Beef, pork chicken with skin, butter and cheese are some of the main sources of saturated fats. And are bad for health and is one of the big causes for heart problems. And this is why saturated fats have made it to bad fats list. A small amount of it, here and there, is not a big deal but consumption in large or consistent manner can increase heart problem, obesity.

Trans Fats

Trans fats, also solid or semi solid at room temperature, are not uncommon in in nature but they are largely made artificially and that makes it twice dangerous. They are manufactured through hydrogenation of liquid oil. All the delicious bakery, deep fried chips and mouth watering candies and doughnuts are the main sources of trans fats. The above mentioned edibles have longer shelf life because of trans fats. Trans fats are not harmful if  consumed in small amount but if  taken in large quantity or consistently then it can create some serious health issues, more serious than saturated fats.Trans fats can increase blood cholesterol level which may cause block in arteries. Due to its sources it is also responsible for diabetes.

Unsaturated Fats

The type of fats that are liquid at room temperature are mostly unsaturated fats. Unlike saturated and trans fats they health friendly and have good effects of heart. Hence, the name good fats. As I mentioned earlier unsaturated fats have two sub categories monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Both have their own sources which are as follow. Olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil and sesame oil are main sources of monounsaturated fats. While Soybean oil Corn oil Safflower oil Walnuts Sunflower, sesame, pumpkin seeds Flaxseed and fatty fishes (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, sardines) are main sources of polyunsaturated fats. Consumption of these fats are extremely beneficial for health. It reduces chances of heart and arterial problems.