About good fats & our need for them

NWCountryGal

I am diggin deeper each day and find it so interesting I want to share it with those that have "inquiring minds" like mine:laugh:

I had no clue about the good fat my body needs, the monounsaturated fats and the polyunsaturated fats. Remember, this is all stuff I read. I can't say it is a 100% true but it is interesting enough for me to research it as far as I can.

According to one of my fave links, here: http://www.acaloriecounter.com/diet/category/fat/ here is what it says:

"What Is Monounsaturated Fat?

Monounsaturated fat, which is most abundant in foods like nuts and various plant oils (olive oil, canola oil, etc.), will most often end up comprising the majority of your total fat intake.

For the most part, this is a good thing. You know how research shows that the “bad fats” increase your risk of heart disease and stroke?

Well, research also shows that monounsaturated fats may help lower your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels, which means a diet containing a sufficient amount of monounsaturated fat may actually help REDUCE your risk of heart disease and stroke.

What Is Polyunsaturated Fat?

With monounsaturated fats comprising the majority of your fat intake, the next largest portion of your daily fat intake should come from polyunsaturated fats. And once again, there is a very good reason for this.

Ever hear the term “essential fatty acids?” Sounds pretty important, right? They are, after all, fatty acids that are “essential” to your body.

Well, those essential fatty acids are all polyunsaturated fats. Maybe you’ve heard of them, too…

Omega-6
Omega-3

Sound familiar?

They are your essential fatty acids, and that means your body REQUIRES them in order to keep you alive and functioning properly. The same cannot be said for any of the other types of fat, including monounsaturated.

And, since your body is incapable of producing them on its own, it’s up to your diet to supply a sufficient amount of it on a regular basis."

Ok, this is me again, denise. I changed my food diary settings to show/track the mono fats, poly fats, and I also have protein, carbs and fats(all fats)

I am learning what to keep an eye on. I use to never watch those numbers, it was all about the calories and the scale. I know I get boring on this and some people think I am harping on it and maybe I am. But..new people arrive every day on mfp and also, people like myself, change their minds and get curious about how this all works. So that is why I continue to post stuff like this. Not because it is something I am telling you is absolute truth, again, but it is worth looking into in my opinion. I trust it but not asking you to. I just want to help folks really get a handle on what it means to go for health, yes, weightloss or gain for sure but if I am not doing it the right way, I figure I will end up sick, or at best, possibly gain the weight back if I don't learn to eat the best I can as well as a proper amount of exercise for my personal goals.

Hugs all and have a great day!!:drinker: :drinker:

misticache

Thanks for taking the time to research and share. I do the best I can finding information but time is not always a privilege I have but then someone goes and does it for me. I can read quick passages like these and it's very resourceful.

NWCountryGal

Ok sweetie, I have more time than many plus I like research;) So I will post tidbits as I find them:) I know this one was a little long but I didn't want to leave out, at least the basics;) denise
PS You can get some idea by looking at my diary, especially the nutrients at the bottom:) Of course different people have different "amount" needs. I got mine from 1404 daily calorie need(or net)after 20% deficit;)

Thanks for taking the time to research and share. I do the best I can finding information but time is not always a privilege I have but then someone goes and does it for me. I can read quick passages like these and it's very resourceful.

Eve23

Nicely researched. Always a good reminder.

NWCountryGal

Thanks Eve:) good to see you;) denise:drinker: :drinker:

Nicely researched. Always a good reminder.