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In recent times, there has been much discussion and attention about fat. Low-fat, lite, and fat-free products, line the shelves in supermarkets. However, it is not enough to know which foods are high or low in fat; we also need to look at the different types of fat, and understand the role they play in our body when they are consumed.

Not all fat is created equal. There is fat which is essential for good health, and there is fat which is down right dirty, and should be avoided as much as possible.

Saturated fat is the bad guy. It is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by raising the “bad” cholesterol in your blood. With the exception of palm and coconut oils, the majority of saturated fats are derived from animal products. Red meat is a major source of saturated fat, along with whole milk and whole milk products (cheese, cream, ice-cream, etc).

But never enjoying a bowl of ice-cream after a juicy steak is no way to live, so the way to make healthier choices is to avoid manufactured meat products, such as sausages and salami, trim visible fat from meat before cooking, and when shopping, choose meat without visible fat or marbling. When eating poultry, you can reduce the fat content by not eating the skin and by choosing to eat the white meat rather then the dark meat which contains more fat. Also choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products.

Unlike saturated fat, a diet high in monounsaturated fats, which is found in plant oils, avocados, and nuts, help lower levels of “bad” cholesterol, without lowering the levels of “good” cholesterol in your blood.

Polyunsaturated fat is also very important for your health. There are two types of polyunsaturated fat: omega-6 and omega-3. Omega-6 is found in vegetable oils such as canola and sunflower and is essential for growth, cell structure, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Omega-3 is found in oils from cold water fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. Another great source is flax seeds (linseed oil). Omega-3 is essential for the body as it plays a role in regulating blood pressure and blood clotting, helps to maintain a healthy immune system, and assists in brain and spinal cord function.

When replacing saturated fat in the diet, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Trans fat is the ugly fat. Technically trans fat is an unsaturated fat, however it acts like saturated fat, causing your cholesterol levels to rise. Some studies suggest that the effects of trans fat are worse then saturated fat. Trans fat occurs naturally in very small amounts in meat and dairy products, but is also manufactured. Trans fats are most commonly found in processed food - cakes, biscuits, pies, and take-away. Trans fat should be avoided as much as possible.

In summary, fat is an essential part of a healthy diet. You just have to choose the right types of fat, and enjoy it in moderation.