Saturated fats come from animal sources with a few exceptions such as coconut and palm oils and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.All animal fats contain cholesterol. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature.
Unsaturated Fats, either mono or polyunsaturated, come from vegetable sources and contain no cholesterol, and are always liquid at room temperature.
Trans-fatty Acids are fabricated by adding hydrogen to unsaturated fats for packaged foods and giving foods a longer shelf life.
Some fat in our diets is essential because of a number of functions it performs such as helping to absorb Vitamin A, D and E which are fat soluble and the body cannot make fat itelf. Ensuring that we consume the healthiest Fats in our diet and avoid the unhealthy Fats can be a mine field. as we all need the right ones in the right quantities.
All Fats are high in energy and a gram of Fat is 9 Calories compared with Carbohydrates and Proteins which each have 4 Calories per gram. The Fat not used by the body or as energy is converted into body fat.
The main types of Fats are – Saturated Fats – meats, sausages, pies, butter, hard cheeses and need to be eaten in moderation. Unsaturated Fats are contained in fish, nuts, avocados, olive oil or oil from seeds or plants and can be considered as generally healthy . Trans-fatty or Hydrogenated fats are contained in biscuits, cakes, packaged foods, margarine, chocolate, pastries, popcorn, and, in general, are best avoided.