Saturated fats, unsaturated fats, trans fats… our world in inundated with fats of all kinds. We’re told we need them, then we’re told to avoid them. Then we’re told to consume good fats and eliminate bad fats. With so much information about fat swarming the medical community, it can be difficult to understand what it takes to maintain a healthy diet and weight.
What’s The Difference Between Good Fat And Bad Fat?
Bad fat, good fat – which is which? The good fats are called unsaturated and include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. These fats, when eaten in moderation, are actually beneficial to your health. They provide the following benefits:
- Lower levels of bad cholesterol
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Increased muscle gain
- Easier weight loss
Unsaturated fats can be found in several food sources, including fish, avocados, olives, hazelnuts, cashews, certain seeds, and oils such as olive, canola, and peanut.
Saturated fats, on the other hand, lead to a higher risk of obesity, type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. These bad guys make an appearance in animal products and artificial substances (think sweets and junk food).
How Much Is Too Much?
So if some fats are good, you can eat as many as you want, right? Unfortunately, no. Although consuming healthy fats improves heart health, when it comes to your waistline, all fat is created equal.
It’s common knowledge that consuming more calories than you burn off is what leads to weight gain. Because fat is more calorie-dense than protein and carbs, any fat has the same effect on your weight.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that 20%-35% of adults’ calories come from fat. But today’s average adult consumes a diet that’s 34%-40% calories from fat. Even worse, most of the fat being eaten is saturated. This is what has led to our country’s obesity epidemic, as well as an increase in diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
The trick to maintaining a healthy weight is to consume fewer calories than you burn, but it’s also about choosing the right calories. With the help of the experts at Matrix Age Management, you’ll be on your way to a leaner body and a more active life. At Matrix Age Management, we help you understand how to eat a balanced, healthy diet and exercise in the right ways to promote weight loss and encourage fitness. We start by providing a comprehensive consultation, and then we create a plan designed specifically to meet your needs.
