What is the Difference Between Saturated and Trans Fat?

Although the body needs fat in order to produce energy, there are some types of fat that are better for you than others.  There are two main kinds of fats: saturated and unsaturated.  Saturated fats are found in many animal-based foods and are generally not good for you.  Common foods that carry the fat include cheese, whole milk, red meat, chicken skin and solid shortening. 

 

Trans fat, also called trans fatty acid, is a type of saturated fat that many doctors consider to be the worst of the saturated fats.  It’s found in hydrogenated, or partially hydrogenated, oil, which is used in foods that include crackers, cookies, margarine, and many snack foods. 

 

Saturated fatty acids are thought to be better for you than trans fatty acids because they increase the good cholesterol in the body.  High cholesterol is responsible for giving you a higher risk of heart disease.  Trans fatty acids lower the good type of cholesterol in the body, leaving you at a higher risk for heart disease.

 

However, both types of fats increase the level of bad cholesterol in the body, called low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs.  Trans fats are doubly bad, because they both decrease the good cholesterol, while increasing the bad. 

 

Trans fatty acids also can repress the immune system and are particularly bad for those with diabetes because the trans fatty acids can reduce the ability for insulin to bind in the blood.

 

The best way to protect yourself against heart disease is to reduce your intake of both saturated and trans fats.  Read labels before buying food at the supermarket, and ask for the nutritional guide when dining out at your favorite local restaurant.  Eat less red meat and whole milk products, while increasing your intake of unsaturated fats. 

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