Which types of fats are best for heart health and why? The Types of Fats Best for Heart Health and Why

The Types of Fats Best for Heart Health and Why

It is important for individuals to be aware of the types of fats that are best for heart health and why. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that individuals focus on reducing the number of saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol they consume in order to help lower their risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Wilson, 2016). Saturated fats are typically found in animal products such as fatty beef, pork, and poultry. They can also be found in some vegetable oils such as coconut and palm, as well as dairy products. Eating too much-saturated fat can increase levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood (Gibson, 2017). Trans fats are produced through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oil, making it more solid and less likely to spoil. The AHA recommends avoiding trans fats as much as possible, as they can raise bad cholesterol levels in the blood and increase the risk of CVD (AHA, 2020). Dietary cholesterol is found in animal-based foods such as eggs, organ meats, and shellfish. Eating too much dietary cholesterol can lead to higher bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Cont…