What are saturates / monounsaturates / polyunsaturates / trans fat?
Chemically these are all made up differently and therefore act differently in the body. Intake of saturates in general should be minimised. High levels of monosaturates are generally thought to be beneficial. Reasonably high levels of polyunsaturates are generally thought to be beneficial. Trans fats overall have a similar effect to saturates, so should therefore be minimized where possible. See Health section.
