Where does Unsaturated Fats come from?
Polyunsaturated fats are commonly found in nuts (peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts and pecans) and seeds, fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel and in plant oils such as safflower, soy, corn, and sesame oils. Monounsaturated fats are commonly found in plant oils such as: olive, canola, flaxseed and peanut oils as well as in avocados. How does Unsaturated Fats affect our heart? Both types of fats are beneficial to heart health because they work to lower “bad” cholesterol levels when substituted for saturated fats in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat critical for our health but cannot be manufactured by our bodies, which is found in flaxseed, walnuts and fatty fish. These fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and also boost our immune systems. It is important to remember that, although these fats are good for you, eating too much of them can lead to weight gain. What changes can I make? • Try using olive oil on your bread instead of butter
