Monounsaturated fats

Fats as we have said in other sections are an important part of a healthy balanced diet. Fats are essential in helping the body to absorb nutrients, power brain functions and help to maintain the health of cells. The problems occur when we eat too many fats which can increase the chances of developing heart disease, however the good news is that some fats are healthy and can help reduce health risks. The key to a healthy balanced diet is to replace bad fats such as saturated fats and trans fats with good fats such as unsaturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.

Why is Monounsaturated fats healthy?

Monounsaturated Fats or (MUFAs) help to reduce the bad form of cholesterol and to increase the amount of good cholesterol (HDL).

Sources of monounsaturated fats include Nuts, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, avocado, canola and olive oils, rapeseed oil, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds.

Generally monounsaturated fats are widely believed to be the healthiest of all the fats. Monounsaturated oils are the best form of oils for cooking as they remain stable at high temperatures and do not turn into hydrogenated or saturated fats.

Monounsatured fats are like polyunsaturated fats since they provide EFA’s or essential fatty acids which nourish many of the body’s functions including maintaining healthy skin. Many sources of monounsaturated fats are usually good sources of Vitamin E which is an excellent anti-oxidant.

Remember all fats are high in calories and so must be accompanied by a healthy active lifestyle. Once of the very best and healthies forms of MUFA’s is extra virgin olive oil which is full of phytochemicals and phenols which boost the immune system and help you to stay healthy.