Anti-Aging Tip #4 – The Fat Factor

Fat is a necessary nutrient that we get from foods.  But too much of certain types of fat can be bad for the body and the aging process. It’s important to know the different types of fats so you find the best ones to eat for anti-aging purposes.

* Polyunsaturated fats – These are good fats found in fish like salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids fall into this category. They can be found in certain oils like safflower and sunflower also. 

* Monounsaturated fats – These are also termed “good fats” and are found in nuts and their oils, olive oil and sesame oil.   

* Saturated fats – These are normally considered unhealthy fats.  They are solid at room temperature and contribute to increased body fat and to potential plaque build-up in the arteries of the body. However, there are some saturated fats that are not “bad” for you.  A  good saturated fat is coconut oil.  Saturated fats from meat products are not necessarily bad but it depends on your health.  These would include animal fats, butter, lard, etc.    

* Trans fats – These are the worse fats of all.  They are also called partially hydrogenated fats and are created when liquid oil is injected with hydrogen to give it a semi-solid consistency at room temperature. They are found in packaged foods, cakes, candies, fried foods, margarines, just to name a few. 

The problem with saturated fats is that they can boost the “bad” and total cholesterol which can set you on the path of heart disease. One smart goal, according to the American Dietetic Association is to keep saturated fat intake to 10 percent or less of your total calories.  The option?  Train your palate to prefer monounsaturated fats found in natural nut oils such as olive and sesame oils and polyunsaturated fats found in safflower and flaxseed oil.

Remember, coconuts are a fruit. Even though their oil is saturated it is actually very good for you.  Know the fats that treat your body well to keep from aging too quickly.