Fats And Oils

Almost every weight watcher is aware of the food items that are high in calories and should be strictly avoided by them. Different types of fats and oils usually feature in every weight watcher's "to avoid" list. However, even though most dieters know that they should avoid these foods, most of them are not even aware of what exactly fats and oils are and why they should be avoided. Moreover, most people get surprised when they hear that there are healthy fats and oils too.

What are fats and oils?

Lipids, fats and oils can be referred to, as a group of organic substances, which make an integral part of the human diet. There are also several industries that make use of the fats and oils food group.

Apart from providing the human body with essential nutrients, most fats and oils also enhance the taste and texture of the foods that they are used in. There are several food items that contain natural fats, such as poultry, meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds and eggs. The type of fats and oils present in food determine whether the food is healthy or not.

Saturated Fat

Fat can be mainly of two types, i.e., saturated fat and unsaturated fat. Saturated fat is the unhealthy fat, which cannot easily be converted into useful energy by the body. Hence, this type of fat is best avoided by weight watchers or indeed, all people. These fats are generally found in lard, fried food, junk food, pastries, cookies, chicken with skin, cheese, red meat, butter, egg yolks, coconut oil and other such food items that are generally high in calories.

Unsaturated Fat

Unsaturated fat, which is the healthy fat, can be further divided into two categories, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. These healthy fats prevent the process of oxidization in the digestive system, which is responsible for the buildup of plaque in the blood. Therefore, the consumption of these healthy fats and oils can actually improve cardiovascular health and can keep several other health problems from affecting the body. The foods that are high in unsaturated fats and oils include avocado, olive oil, peanuts or other varieties of nuts, whole grains, fish, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and so on.

Conclusion
There is a lot of information about lipids fats and oils that is easily available through online resources. Before making any dietary changes to eliminate or increase the consumption of certain fats and oils, it is important to consult a doctor.

Submitted on January 16, 2014