IS FAT REALLY BAD FOR YOU?

It's a popular fallacy that fat makes you fat and is unhealthy. Because of this perception, fats are usually seen as the least significant dietary element, and are frequently associated with high cholesterol, obesity, and heart ailments. To be recognized as a good nutrition, fat must be thoroughly understood because it is a controversial ingredient.

What fats exactly are?

Fats are key macronutrients that serve as a significant source of energy storage and fuel for the body. Moreover, fats also aid in a number of the body's metabolic processes that are essential for development and growth. Fat is a key source of essential fatty acids, which our bodies cannot create on their own. Fat aids the body's absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K. A balanced diet must contain fats, but only the right kinds of fats should be consumed.

What types of fat are there?

• Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs)

• Polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs)

• Saturated fats

• Trans fats

Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated fatty acids are good sources of fats. They assist in keeping your cholesterol levels normal. Polyunsaturated fats offer essential nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6, which your body is unable to create on its own.

Saturated fats are acceptable in small amounts.

Trans fats are bad fats. They might make your blood elevated in LDL, or bad cholesterol.

Recommended dietary intake for fats

• According to WHO, total fat consumption should range between 20 and 35% of total calories.

• Polyunsaturated fat should provide Up to 10% of total fat calories.

• Monounsaturated fat should provide Up to 20% of total fat calories.

• Saturated fat shouldn't make up more than 7% of all calories from fat.

• Trans fats shouldn't make up more than 1% of the daily total of calories from fat.