When consuming fats, the healthiest choice is foods high in unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These types of fats can promote heart health, reduce bad cholesterol levels, and provide essential fatty acids that the body needs.
Good sources of unsaturated fats include:
- Olive oil and other vegetable oils (like canola and avocado oil)
- Nuts and seeds (such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds)
- Fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and sardines)
- Avocados
In contrast, it is advisable to limit saturated fats (found in red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy) and avoid trans fats (often found in processed and fried foods) due to their negative impact on heart health.