THE FACTS ABOUT FAT

Not all fat is equal; most saturated fat is from an animal source which may increase your cholesterol level and may increase your chances of suffering from chronic heart disease. Saturated fat is usually solid at room temperature.

Fat is calorie-dense too. 1g of fat = 9 calories.

Unsaturated fat tends to come from fish and vegetable sources. Some can contain high levels of fat called Omega fatty acids, which can help to keep your heart and other systems healthy. Unsaturated fat is usually liquid at room temperature.

Saturated fat usually comes from an animal source, mainly red meats, such as beef, lamb and pork. It is used as a cooking ingredient for many foods, especially pastry-based foods, and can be found in dairy products such as milk, cream and cheese.

Unsaturated fats are seen as being better for you than saturated fats but should still be eaten in moderation. Omega 3 oils are generally found in oily fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. Omega 6 oils are generally found in other foods, such as nuts and seeds and these also contain lots of vitamins and minerals.

So not all fats are bad and we do all need some fat in our diet, but try to reduce the consumption of saturated fats from fried foods and fatty meats.