Trans fats; Saturated fats; Cholesterol

Cholesterol
Manufactured naturally in our body by our liver.
Also found in certain foods like eggs, seafood, meats and animal products.

Research shows that a high intake of dietary cholesterol is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fats
Four Kinds:
1. Mono-unsaturated
2. Polyunsaturated
3. Saturated
4. Trans fats

Generally, unsaturated fats are healthier than saturated and trans fats.

Unsaturated fats
Sources:
(a) vegetable oils like olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil.
(b) nuts, avocados, oily fish

Healthier because it helps to:
---increases our HDL (high density lipoproteins – the good cholesterol)
---decrease our LDL (low density lipoproteins – the bad cholesterol)

Saturated fats
Sources:
(a) animal fat, animal skin, butter, eggs, coconut milk, dairy products

Not healthy because they do the opposite of unsaturated fats:
• increase LDL
• decrease HDL

Trans fats
Source: when vegetable oil put through a process called hydrogenation. (some products state “partially hydrogenated” or “hydrogenated” – contain trans fats).[READ THE LABELS]

Sad part: finding a meal without fats in fast-food outlets and hawker centres
Is not easy.

Sooooo…. eat carefully, eat well.