Do all fats have the same number of calories?
There are nine calories in every gram of fat, regardless of what type of fat
it is. That’s a lot of calories compared to carbohydrates and proteins,
which contain four calories per gram. Because fats are so energy-
dense, consuming high levels of fat – regardless of the type – can lead
to taking in too many calories. That can lead to weight gain or being
overweight. Consuming high levels of saturated or trans fats can also
lead to heart disease and stroke. Health experts generally recommend
replacing saturated fats and trans fats with monounsaturated fats and
polyunsaturated fats – while still limiting the total amount of fat you
consume.
Are all foods labeled “trans fat-free” healthy foods?
Not necessarily. Foods labeled “0 trans fat” or cooked with “trans fat-
free” oils may contain a lot of saturated fats, which raise your bad
cholesterol levels. “Trans fat-free” foods may also be unhealthy in terms
of their general nutrient content. For example, baked goods tend to be
high in added sugars and low in nutrients.
There are nine calories in every gram of fat, regardless of what type of fat
it is. That’s a lot of calories compared to carbohydrates and proteins,
which contain four calories per gram. Because fats are so energy-
dense, consuming high levels of fat – regardless of the type – can lead
to taking in too many calories. That can lead to weight gain or being
overweight. Consuming high levels of saturated or trans fats can also
lead to heart disease and stroke. Health experts generally recommend
replacing saturated fats and trans fats with monounsaturated fats and
polyunsaturated fats – while still limiting the total amount of fat you
consume.
Are all foods labeled “trans fat-free” healthy foods?
Not necessarily. Foods labeled “0 trans fat” or cooked with “trans fat-
free” oils may contain a lot of saturated fats, which raise your bad
cholesterol levels. “Trans fat-free” foods may also be unhealthy in terms
of their general nutrient content. For example, baked goods tend to be
high in added sugars and low in nutrients.
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DIET
A-Z Weight Loss Diets
Diet & Physical Activity
NUTRITION
Healthy Eating Habits
The Superfoods
Best Foods for Anti-Aging
Best Heart Healthy Foods
Best Cancer Fighting Foods
Superfoods to Boost Immunity
WEIGHT MANGEMENT
Calculating Body Frame Size
Calculating Body Mass Index BMI)
PERSONAL CARE
Health & Nutition Resources
Web Links
Fats 101
Does my body need fats?
Fats help your body absorb some nutrients and produce important hormones, too. Your body definitely needs fat – but not as
much fat as most people eat.
How many different fats are there?
There are four major dietary fats:: saturated fats, trans fats, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.
The four types have different chemical structures and physical properties. The bad fats, saturated and trans fats, tend to be
more solid at room temperature (like a stick of butter), while monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats tend to be more liquid
(like liquid vegetable oil). Fats can also have different effects on the cholesterol levels in your body. The bad fats, saturated fats
and trans fats raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in your blood. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can lower bad
cholesterol levels and are beneficial when consumed in moderation.
Fats help your body absorb some nutrients and produce important hormones, too. Your body definitely needs fat – but not as
much fat as most people eat.
How many different fats are there?
There are four major dietary fats:: saturated fats, trans fats, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.
The four types have different chemical structures and physical properties. The bad fats, saturated and trans fats, tend to be
more solid at room temperature (like a stick of butter), while monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats tend to be more liquid
(like liquid vegetable oil). Fats can also have different effects on the cholesterol levels in your body. The bad fats, saturated fats
and trans fats raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in your blood. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can lower bad
cholesterol levels and are beneficial when consumed in moderation.
Can fats be part of a healthy diet?
Eating foods with a moderate amount of fat is definitely part of a healthy diet. Just remember to balance the amount of calories you
eat with the amount of calories you burn. Aim to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole-grain/high-fiber foods, fat-free and low-fat dairy
products, lean meats, poultry, and fish (at least twice a week). Doing so means that your diet will be low in both saturated fats and
trans fats.
Does eating more healthfully mean giving up my favorite foods?
A healthy diet can include the foods you love. You don’t have to avoid sugary or salty treats entirely, but you do need to eat less of
these foods since they’re low in nutrition and high in calories
Eating foods with a moderate amount of fat is definitely part of a healthy diet. Just remember to balance the amount of calories you
eat with the amount of calories you burn. Aim to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole-grain/high-fiber foods, fat-free and low-fat dairy
products, lean meats, poultry, and fish (at least twice a week). Doing so means that your diet will be low in both saturated fats and
trans fats.
Does eating more healthfully mean giving up my favorite foods?
A healthy diet can include the foods you love. You don’t have to avoid sugary or salty treats entirely, but you do need to eat less of
these foods since they’re low in nutrition and high in calories
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An Abundant LifeStyle - Your Guide to Health and Nutrition