04/10/2019
Fats are an important part of the diet, but not all fats have the same effects on health. While good fats can actually lower cholesterol levels, boost brain function and support satiety, filling up on unhealthy fats can contribute to chronic disease and weight gain.
Healthy fats can be broken down into two main categories: unsaturated fats and saturated fatty acids.
Most sources recommend getting at least 20–30 percent of total calories from fat.
Fat is absolutely essential to health. It helps you absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, it keeps your hair and skin healthy, forms the foundation of your cell membranes, supplies energy and provides insulation to help regulate your body’s temperature.
The majority of your fat intake should be from unsaturated fats, such as nuts, seeds and olive oil