It was a previously popular belief that any fats are bad for the human
body and in particular the heart. However new research, has since
disproven this fact and the current acknowledgement is that certain
types of fats are not only good for the human body but are also very
much an essential ingredient that contributes to the overall good
health conditions.
The Good Fats
Understanding that not all fats are bad is a step in the right direction
as it will help the individual to discern the negatives and positives of
the different foods consumed. It is a scientifically acknowledged fact
that not all fats are alike.
Some are good for health while others can contribute to negative body
conditions such as raised blood cholesterol, cardiovascular ill health
and unnecessary weight gain.
The following is a list of good fats that should be taken in moderation
to ensure optimum heart conditions:
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that can
be found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, sardines and
trout. Ideally this should be consumed in three servings of 3 oz
each per week. Other ideal sources of omega-3 fatty acids would
include flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil.
As for the polyunsaturated fats in the omega-6 fatty acids group
the ideal source of these can be found in vegetable oils such as
corn oil, safflower oil, sesame oil. Soybean oil and sunflower
oils. There is also the soft margarine source that should be
Trans fat free. Walnuts sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds,
sesame seeds, soy as in roasted soy beans, soy nuts butter and
tofu are all other alternative sources of omega-6 fatty acids.
Monounsaturated fats such as vegetable oils, olive oil, canola
oil, peanut oil, various types of nuts and avocado are also
another source of the good fats for the body
Maintain a healthy body weight is something that all healthy people
are conscious on doing on a regular basis. With the ideal weight in
place the various body systems do not have to be overworked and
stressed to create the ideal functioning systems. Obesity is a
dominant contributor to abdominal adiposity which is an important
risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Exercising regularly with an even and not overly stressful regiment
would also allow the body to function at its optimum and not be
stressed at any time.
