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Can fats be beneficial? (choosing your fats)
Fats are an essential part of our diet. They are needed for the normal functioning of the heart and our nervous system. Fat under our skin is also needed to produce vitamin D, which is needed for bones and the immune system. Some studies even showed that vitamin D controls our mood. Therefore, it is unthinkable that we should cut all fats in any diet regardless of how bad they are affecting us. What we must do is choose our fats.
Fats in our diet are generally divided into saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats are the most harmful and can elevate the level of a harmful cholesterol in our blood called LDL-C. When the LDL-C level rises, cholesterol is deposited in the wall of our blood vessels causing their narrowing, a condition called atherosclerosis. This can cause hypertension, heart attacks and strokes. Saturated fats are usually found in artificial butter and fats and are abundant in most fast food. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, elevate the level of HDL-C, which is considered a healthy cholesterol and helps lower LDL-C levels. It also protects against cholesterol and has anti-inflammatory properties. Vegetable oils contain unsaturated fats.
