Fat Facts - there are three types of fat: saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and monounsaturated fat. You'd be surprised to hear this fat fact: there are some fat that actually help reduce cholesterol levels. Read on to find out which type.

Saturated fat

Fatty acids are made up of chains of carbon atoms, and when the carbon atoms have no free bonds to link with other atoms, the fat is saturated.

Fat fact - saturated fats are the 'BAD' type of fat. The body has a tough time process saturated fats, and stores it as fat. Saturated fats raise cholesterol levels, which increases the chance of heart attacks. Reduce saturated fats in your diet is the first fat solution towards a healthier diet.

Saturated fat mainly come from meat sources, but some are found in vegetable products: i.e. palm and coconut oil.

Polyunsaturated fat

Usually liquid at room temperature, polyunsaturated fat comes in two types: omega 6 and omega 3. Omega 6 type comes mainly from vegetables, and omega 3 come from oily fish.

Fat fact - polyunsaturated fat actually help reduce the level of cholesterol! So a small consumption is important for health.

Monounsaturated fat

This type of fat mainly comes from veggies. For example, they can be found in olive oil and almond oil.

Fat fact - monounsaturated fat is also thought to help reduce cholesterol levels.

Fats are a concentrated source of energy, and the daily intake shouldn't exceed 30% of calories. In other words, for an average daily intake of 2,000 calories, only 600 should come from fats.

Fat fact - 1 gram of fat supply 9 calories.

Take your calculator and use 600calories / 9= 66.7g