Understanding Fats: Saturated vs. Polyunsaturated - Heart Health

When it comes to heart disease, it is important to know what fats are healthy and what fats are not. Saturated fats are known to promote high cholesterol and eventually can lead to heart disease. Polyunsaturated fats are known to be more heart healthy and can lower cholesterol.

Chemical Difference

• Saturated fats contain no double bonds between carbon atoms, making these fats extremely difficult to digest. Polyunsaturated fats contain one double bond between carbon atoms, making them easier for your to break down.

Foods With Saturated Fats

• Many foods people contain saturated fats. When at the grocery store, always check the nutrition value of any foods. Saturated fats tend to be found in beef, pork, cheese, whole milk, butter, cream, coconut oil, palm oil and cocoa butter.

Foods With Polyunsaturated Fats

• Polyunsaturated fats are often referred to as the "good fats." Polyunsaturated fats include foods such as fish, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils (olive, canola and soybean varieties), olives and walnuts. Make polyunsaturated fats around 30 percent of your diet.