FAT INFORMATION

Fat is a group of organic substances that form an important part of the diet and also are useful in many industries. There are different kinds of fats that our bodies utillize in different ways. The fats are usually solid, the oils generally liquid at ordinary room temperatures. Some tropical products, liquids in their sites of origin, become solids in cooler climates; in commerce these often retain the name originally given, e.g., palm oil and coconut oil. Chemically fats and oils are either simple or mixed glyceryl esters of organic acids belonging to the fatty-acid series (see triglycerides ; fatty acids ). Fats and oils are derived from both plant and animal sources.

What is mono-unsaturated fat?

Monounsaturated fat is considered to be probably the healthiest type of general fat. It has none of the adverse effects associated with saturated fats, trans-fats or omega-6 polyunsaturated vegetable oils.

Sources of monounsaturated fat

Olive oil (73 per cent) rapeseed oil (60 per cent) hazelnuts (50 per cent) almonds (35 per cent) Brazil nuts (26 per cent) cashews (28 per cent) avocado (12 per cent) sesame seeds (20 per cent) pumpkin seeds (16 per cent).

What is saturated fat?

Saturated fat is the least healthy of all fats/lipids.

Sources of saturated fat

• Common sources of saturated fat include animal fats, butter, lard, red meat, poultry skin, cheese, cream and milk.

• Certain vegetable oils, like coconut and palm oil are also high in saturated fat.
  Note: Saturated fat is solid at room temperature.

What are Trans-fats?

Trans-fats are bad news for arteries!

Trans-fats are mainly contained in solid or semi-solid margarines, as well as commercial cooking oils that are used to produce many processed foods.

Trans Fats also called Hydrogenated Fats

In manufacture, liquid oils go through a process called hydrogenation, whereby each molocule of oil has several hydrogen atoms added to it. This makes the oil solid and less likely to become rancid.

What is polyunsaturated fat?

Polyunsaturated fat is healthier than saturated fats. It is also an essential element in our diet because polyunsaturated fat includes a special family of essential fatty acids (which the human body cannot manufacture for itself) called omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

Sources of polyunsaturated fat

Polyunsaturated fat is found in vegetable oils like safflower, corn, sunflower and soybean. Polyunsaturated fats remain liquid at room temperature fats are required for testosterone production and insulin function, both of which are important for muscular development.

They help us get better digestion and fats also have anti-inflammatory properties. They help to minimize joint, tendon, and ligament strain and help heal these after performance. better absorption of nutrients, providing more fuel for performance.