Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Considered Healthy Fat?

Jessica Hobby
Jessica Hobby

When choosing the best foods for a healthy diet it is important to not completely eliminate fat. Omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats are considered healthy fats. Healthy fats differ from unhealthy fats because healthy fats are responsible for numerous bodily functions, where unhealthy fats are empty calories which have no nutritional value.

Before looking at the different types of healthy fats, it is important to understand the bodily functions that healthy fat is generally responsible for. The human brain is made up of 60 percent fat. Fat is essential for brain functions such as memory, learning capability and mood.

Fish like salmon are high in omega fatty acids, which are considered healthy fats.
Fish like salmon are high in omega fatty acids, which are considered healthy fats.

Additionally, fat serves as a cushion and insulator for body organs and nerves and helps the heart to function regularly, because 60 percent of the heart’s energy comes from burning fat. Individual cells use fat to build membranes and the presence of fat helps cells to remain flexible. Healthy fat also plays a role in the proper function of lungs, eyes and the immune system.

Oil from the safflower plant contains polyunsaturated fat, which is often considered a healthy fat.
Oil from the safflower plant contains polyunsaturated fat, which is often considered a healthy fat.

Healthy fat is also important for the digestive system. Fat helps to slow down the rate of digestion, which allows for the absorption of nutrients and provides a constant level of energy to the body. Consumption of healthy fat will also help to satisfy hunger for longer periods of time.

The first type of fat is polyunsaturated fat, which is found in vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed and soy. They are also found in nuts and seeds. Lowered blood pressure and triglyceride levels are two benefits that polyunsaturated are responsible for.

Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy type of fat.
Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy type of fat.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are known as the healthiest of all fats. They are found in salmon, mackerel, sardines and other fatty fish. Omega-3’s are also found in flax seed, flax seed oil, soybeans, walnuts and canola oil. The primary function of omega-3’s is their responsibility in reducing incidences of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition to fighting CVD, omega-3 fatty acids are believed to be a possible prevention and treatment for liver cancer, depression and dementia.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in flax seed oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in flax seed oil.

The third type of healthy fat is monounsaturated fat. These fats can be found in olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, avocadoes and nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts and pecans. Monounsaturated fats are believed to lower the bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while possibly increasing the good high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol. Additionally, monounsaturated fats may help lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity.

Discussion Comments

anon115216

Very interesting article. There are varied comments on fats and oil. We manufacture cold pressed high oleic sunflower oil that we do not hydrogenate. Our vitamin E is 60mg/100ml. We do not use any chemicals or heat during production and therefore retains the natural aroma and nutty taste of sunflower. The oil has 80 percent mono, 6 percent saturates and 14 percent poly fats. We are very excited about our product. Vergezocht, South Africa

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Fish like salmon are high in omega fatty acids, which are considered healthy fats.
      By: Witold Krasowski
      Fish like salmon are high in omega fatty acids, which are considered healthy fats.
    • Oil from the safflower plant contains polyunsaturated fat, which is often considered a healthy fat.
      By: Tamara Kulikova
      Oil from the safflower plant contains polyunsaturated fat, which is often considered a healthy fat.
    • Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy type of fat.
      By: dinostock
      Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy type of fat.
    • Omega-3 fatty acids are found in flax seed oil.
      By: spline_x
      Omega-3 fatty acids are found in flax seed oil.
    • Salmon is high in healthy fat.
      By: dulsita
      Salmon is high in healthy fat.
    • The human brain is comprised of almost 60 percent fat.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      The human brain is comprised of almost 60 percent fat.
    • Olive oil is considered a healthy fat since it can lower bad cholesterol and contains antioxidants.
      By: margo555
      Olive oil is considered a healthy fat since it can lower bad cholesterol and contains antioxidants.
    • Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
      By: nito
      Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
    • Peanut oil contains monounsaturated fat, which may help lower blood pressure.
      By: WimL
      Peanut oil contains monounsaturated fat, which may help lower blood pressure.
    • Soft gel capsules made with concentrated fish oil are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
      By: maron
      Soft gel capsules made with concentrated fish oil are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
    • Widely viewed as one of the healthiest types of cooking oil, canola oil is high in monounsaturated fats.
      By: branex
      Widely viewed as one of the healthiest types of cooking oil, canola oil is high in monounsaturated fats.