Fat vs. Fat, which is better?

I’m sure you know by now that saturated fats and trans fats are bad and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat are good fats. But which one is better and why? Polyunsaturated fats include alpha-linolic and linolic acid. Both fats aid in hormone production, pain control such as reducing inflammation, reduction in cholesterol and pro-immune system benefits. In better detail, alapha-linolic acid is considered a part of the omega-3 category that includes flax seeds, canola oil, sardines, leafy dark greens, walnuts and wheat germ. Higher doses of omega-3 are found in cold-water fish such as salmon. On the other hand, linolic acid is a part of the omega-6 family and is found in soybeans, peanuts, corn and sunflower seeds. Both fats help decrease total cholesterol levels. Researchers have found that polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 & 6) maybe responsible for lowering low-density lipids as well as high-density lipids (HDL). Research is still being done on this subject.

Your diet should include a variety of “good fats” and less saturated fats such as, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, cocoa butter etc… These fats do contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated but the amounts are minimal and you would benefit more from fats that contained higher amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Monounsaturated fats include, olive oil and canola oil, avocados, which help lower LDL and increase HDL. Monounsaturated fats also help to prevent cell and tissue damage due to the fats ability to resist oxidation.

If your still trying to figure out which fat is best, just stick to moderation and balance. In other words, don’t consume too many polyunsaturated fats: balance it out.