Fats and oils
Want to know what the different kinds of fats and oils are, and what makes some better than others? This article gives a good introduction to this topic.
In general, olive oil and canola oil are the best to use. Olive oil is the highest in monounsaturated fat. Canola oil is among the lowest in saturated fat and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which is recommended for heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, and can be produced by the body from foods with alpha-linolenic acid such as canola oil, soybeans, and flax seeds.
This article from Hormel shows the composition of some popular cooking oils.
Of course, saturated fat is bad and should be avoided. All animal fats, such as lard, are saturated, including fats made from animal products like milk, cheese, and butter. Other saturated fats are coconut and palm oils, and cocoa butter.
Trans-fatty acids or “trans-fats” are also bad. Recently, studies have found that trans-fats might even be worse than saturated fat. Hydrogenated vegetable oils commonly used in commercially baked products and shortening are examples of trans-fats.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has an article about the different types of fats and discusses why trans-fat is bad.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has some tips on eating for a healthy heart.
In general, olive oil and canola oil are the best to use. Olive oil is the highest in monounsaturated fat. Canola oil is among the lowest in saturated fat and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which is recommended for heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, and can be produced by the body from foods with alpha-linolenic acid such as canola oil, soybeans, and flax seeds.
This article from Hormel shows the composition of some popular cooking oils.
Of course, saturated fat is bad and should be avoided. All animal fats, such as lard, are saturated, including fats made from animal products like milk, cheese, and butter. Other saturated fats are coconut and palm oils, and cocoa butter.
Trans-fatty acids or “trans-fats” are also bad. Recently, studies have found that trans-fats might even be worse than saturated fat. Hydrogenated vegetable oils commonly used in commercially baked products and shortening are examples of trans-fats.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has an article about the different types of fats and discusses why trans-fat is bad.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has some tips on eating for a healthy heart.
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