A Healthy Diet Means Avoiding Trans-Fat as well as Saturated Fat

We all need fat in our diet on a daily basis. However, not all fats are created equal ? there are healthy fats and unhealthy fats. Many people know that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the healthier variety, and that saturated fats should be avoided. But did you also know about trans-fats? Read on to learn more about this unhealthy fat:

What are trans-fats?

Trans fats are fats that have had hydrogen added to them in order to make them solid at room temperature and last longer. Many packaged foods, margarines, and vegetable shortenings contain trans fat. If you read the label and see "partially hydrogenated oil" you can be sure that you are eating these unhealthy fats.

Why are they bad?

Trans-fat has come under scrutiny lately because of its harmful effects on our health. These fats can raise your LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, raising the risk of coronary heart disease. In some studies, trans fats have been shown to have an effect on learning and concentration in laboratory animals, as opposed to animals who were given foods containing other types of fat. Trans fat are as bad for you, if not worse than, the saturated variety and should be avoided at all costs. According to the Food and Drug Administration, as of 2006, all food manufacturers will be required to list "trans fat" on their nutrition labels.

How can I avoid them?

The best way to avoid trans fat is to eat whole, fresh, unprocessed foods. Fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains are your healthiest choices. If the ingredients on a package list "partial hydrogenation", avoid consuming them.

Stacy Tabb is an author and publisher of many successful informational websites, including an antiaging website aimed at the prevention of age-related conditions.


(Fitness) Health Thoughts, Living on the Health Minimum Wage?

Random thoughts taken from valuable sources, what many nutrition experts... Read More

10 Flaxseed Facts to Improve Your Nutrition

Flaxseeds may be the smallest seeds you will find in... Read More

16 Quick Tips for Eating at Restaurants or Work

Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More

3 Important Differences Between White Bread and Whole Wheat

For any kid who grew up eating doughy, thick Wonder... Read More

3 Things You Want to Know About Cholesterol

You wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you?You... Read More

4 Important Facts You Should Know About Whey Protein

Are you concerned about taking care of your body before... Read More

4 Steps To Brain Health

New studies bring to our attention that high levels of... Read More

5 Favorite Summer-Break Tips

You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More

5 Secrets of Reading Food Labels Revealed

Whether you're concerned about cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or simply... Read More

5 Tips for Dining Out and Eating Healthily

Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More

5 Tips To Lower Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol has been around for thousands of years. It's a... Read More

5 Ways to Get the Best Out of Radishes

They sit left behind on relish trays. They're often by-passed... Read More

6 Power Foods For Your Heart

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in... Read More

6 Ways to Eat More Healthfully

With so much 'diet advice' around today it is little... Read More

7 Bad Eating Habits You Should Change Immediately

People are obsessed with dieting and weight loss! Don't believe... Read More

7 Things To Your Health

Health is the thing. And no matter how many ways... Read More

7 Tips on Using Food Diet Remedies for Your Common Health Ailments

Making simple changes to your food diet can help remedy... Read More

9 Tips to Stop Food Cravings and Help You With Your Diet

Most of us are "regular" people. We don't eat the... Read More

A Background to Dietary Fiber

Fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant... Read More

A Consumers Guide to Soy Terms

Although you may have heard about soy and all of... Read More

A Diet Deficiency Today is a Clinical Event Tomorrow

For those of us that understand nutrition and it's importance... Read More

A Healthy Diet Means Avoiding Trans-Fat as well as Saturated Fat

We all need fat in our diet on a daily... Read More

A Heart Healthy Diet Makeover

Heart Disease remains the number one cause of death in... Read More

A Home Water Filter - Do We Need To Filter Our Drinking Water?

Do we really need a home water filter? Can't we... Read More

A Look at Lactose Intolerance

Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in milk. Cow's milk contains... Read More

A Result Producing Guide to Nutrition

If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More

ACAI Berry Named Top 10 Superfoods For Anti-Aging by Dr. Nicholas Perricone

The benefits from eating healthy are endless. And, according to... Read More

Acid and Digestive Disorders: Breaking the Vicious Circle

THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to... Read More

Adding to Your Level of Health is the Key

Here is a continuation of the light and darkness metaphor:... Read More

Aggressive Behaviour Seems To Be Triggered By Early Age Diet

The fact that diet directly affects behaviour is no news,... Read More

Aging Gracefully with the Aid of Various Nutrients

During the past thirty years there has been a steadily... Read More

Alcohol Addiction and Obesity

People who consume too much alcohol have good chance of... Read More

Alcohol as a Key Ingredient to a Healthy Diet

Evidence suggesting that alcohol is "cardio-protective" first appeared in the... Read More