Fats: The Truth & Myths

The word fat especially when discussing fats in food is usually met with worried looks and remarks. However this does not need to be the case. Over the years the facts about fats has been blurred, the truth and the myths have blended into one and many of us don't know the real facts behind the fats in our foods. However today we are going to resolve the confusion and give you a rundown of fats- the truth and the popular myths.

Myth- "All Fats Are Bad!"

Truth- Wrong-There Are Both Good And Bad Fats-

Fats are essential for our bodies to function however there is a difference between the fats we need and the ones we could do without. The good fats also know as unsaturated fats are very important as they promote a healthy hear, improve blood, cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease! You can find good fats in-

Fish
Vegetable Oils
Avocados
Nuts & Seeds

Bad fats are known as saturated fats, these are the ones we should be cutting down on as they can worse our cholesterol and actually increase our risk of heart disease. Foods to be cautious of high in these fats are-

Processed Meat & Poultry- Sausages, Pies etc
Dairy- Butter, Whole Milk & Cream
Cheese
Cakes, Pastry & Biscuits

Myth- "I Can't Eat Any Of My Favourite Foods"

Truth- Wrong- You Can Cut Down The Fats In Your Favourite Foods Very Easily

There are many ways you can simply reduce saturated fats in your foods such as-

Choose Lower Fat Diary Products Such As Skimmed Milk Over Whole Milk
Grill, Poach Or Steam Food As Opposed To Frying
Choose Leaner Cuts Of Meat and Trim Visible Fat & Skin From Meat Before Cooking
Measure Your Oil Carefully
Reduce Your Meat Intake And Use Vegetables Or Beans In Your Dishes Instead

Myth- "You Can't Eat Any Kind Of Fats"

Truth- Wrong- You Can Eat Fats In Moderation

It is impossible to avoid fats in foods and for good reasons as they are an important part of our diet. However as we say everything in moderation- it is recommended that no more than 35% of our daily calories should come from fat. The maximum amount of fat we should ave a day for men is 30g and women is 20g.

We hope this has helped educate and ease  your worries on the fats in your foods, so spread the word to help break these myths! Till next time, have a great wee everyone!