W E L L B E I N G
WHAT ARE HEALTHY & UNHEALTHY FATS?
In this article, we take a look at the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats and what they mean for your family’s health.
As a parent with a huge responsibility to raise a healthy, well-nourished child, it is important to know the role of fats in your family’s diet. Not all fats are bad - in fact, fat is an absolutely necessary component of a healthy diet. However, for long-term health, some fats are better than others.
WHAT IS HEALTHY FAT? Healthy fat is sometimes called unsaturated fat. Unprocessed fatty foods tend to be unsaturated. This means foods like nuts and seeds or unprocessed oils, like olive oil. Healthy fats are vital to include in your family’s diet for several reasons, which we will discuss here. 18 | MAY 2022 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
BENEFITS OF HEALTHY FAT Fats are a major source of energy. They contribute to strong hair and good skin as they help us absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Good fat is also helpful for blood clotting, proper brain function, immunity, muscle movement and inflammation.
Preventing heart disease and stroke There are two types of healthy, unsaturated fats - monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Both are good choices for your family because they can help decrease the chances
of diseases developing later in life, especially heart disease and stroke. They do this by: ü Lowering heart rate and contributing to stable heart rhythms ü Keeping arteries clear ü Decreasing the risk of clotting ü Helping to make good cholesterol and move it efficiently around your body ü Reducing bad cholesterol, but only if good fat has replaced unhealthy fats in your family’s diet!
Omega-3 fatty acids Polyunsaturated fats contain both omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids which have other important health benefits. For example, omega-3 fatty acids can: ü Help brain and eye development in unborn babies and during the first six months ü Aid heart, eye, joint and mental health ü Boost brain and nervous system development ü Strengthen the immune system
