Types of Unsaturated Fats
Unsaturated fats are evident in animal and some plant sources. Furthermore, at room temperature these fats are liquid. There are two types of unsaturated fats: monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.
Polyunsaturated fats consist of more than single double bonds. It is also considered a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for both proper function and cell growth. Unsaturated fat examples under polyunsaturated foods are:
Chia seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Soybean oil
Safflower
Fish
Monounsaturated fats consist of only a single double bond. It plays a key role in keeping cells healthy and fit in humans. Unsaturated fat examples under monounsaturated fat are:
Avocadoes
Cashews
Peanuts
Sesame seeds
Peanut butter
How do Unsaturated Fats Affect Your Health?
When unsaturated fats replace saturated fats, it helps in reducing the level of blood cholesterol and even decreases the risk of having heart disease. For instance, extra virgin oil, along with monounsaturated fat in addition to its vast range of other extra protective factors, creates a staple diet of the Mediterranean style. This kind of diet reduces many risks of particular cancers and heart disease as well. Therefore, it becomes essential for one to have an adequate amount of food containing unsaturated fatty acids in their daily diet.
Are Unsaturated Fat Foods Healthy?
Unsaturated fat is considered to be the most healthful fat that is consumed by humans. Hence, they are mostly considered as good fats, in other words, there are some health advantages associated with the moderated consumption of unsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids play a crucial role in the functioning of the human body. When the glucose is not present in sufficient amounts to provide sufficient energy to cells then fatty acids of your body are used.
Benefits of Unsaturated Fats
Unsaturated fat is considered a crucial part of a healthy diet. Moderated diet of unsaturated fats are beneficial in the following ways:
Consumption of unsaturated fat helps decrease the level of cholesterol.
Its consumption also helps in decreasing the danger of heart disease.
Fatty acids are also helpful when insufficient amounts of glucose are present in your body.
It even eases inflammation.
Foods that Contain Unsaturated Fat
Several benefits are associated with adding unsaturated fats to your diet. The food sources that contain unsaturated fats are:
Unsaturated Fat Examples |
Type of the Unsaturated Fat |
Source |
Benefits |
Monounsaturated fat |
|
Lowers the risk of stroke and heart disease
Improves your blood cholesterol
Extra virgin olive oil contains components that also reduce blood pressure and inflammation
|
Polyunsaturated fat: Omega-3 fats |
Walnuts
Linseeds (flaxseed)
Some eggs
Legumes, like haricot beans or kidney
Grass-fed meats
Fishes, including mackerel, herring, sardines, trout, salmon, but every Australian seafood could be categorized as a fine source of omega-3s
|
Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
Lowers the risk of heart diseases
Helps to prevent arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
Benefits conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
|
Polyunsaturated fat: Omega-6 fats |
|
Improves your blood cholesterol
Lowers the risk of heart diseases
When it is substituted for food that is high in saturated fats
|
Unsaturated Fat as Part of a Healthy Diet
Getting an accurate amount of fat is always insisted as unsaturated fatty acids help you in keeping your heart and health in a better shape. Mostly the doctors suggest swapping saturated fats with unsaturated ones if you have problems with your cholesterol level. Unsaturated fats are mostly liquid at room temperature. Some of the unsaturated fat foods include oils from various vegetables, nuts, and seeds (for instance, rapeseed, olive, and corn oil, also oily fish like pilchards, etc. are the best source of unsaturated fat).
Conclusion
You might wonder what is unsaturated fat, its benefits, and examples of food that are a source of unsaturated fats. Since everyone requires some fats in their diets, you must keep an account of what you should have in more quantity and what you should keep in control. Especially if you are having any health issues then concerning your doctor regarding your diet chart is the best choice. And, while you take care of the health issues, it is needless to say that getting a health insurance plan becomes essential, so you can manage the expenses without any worry.