| Dietary
fats are a concentrated source of food energy. They
are also the source of linoleic acid, an essential
nutrient, and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and
K. While we all need some dietary fat each day, a
tablespoon is generally sufficient. When cutting back
on fats, it is helpful to know which are the worst
dietary culprits.
- Triglycerides
are fats that contain,in varying proportions, three
groups of fatty acids - saturated, polyunsaturated,
and monounsaturated.
- Saturated
fats are the only fatty acids that raise blood
cholesterol levels. Butter, margarine, and fats
in meat and dairy products are all especially high
in saturated fat.
- Monounsaturated
and polyunsaturated fats do not raise blood
cholesterol levels. Canola and olive oil contain
the highest proportion of monounsaturated fat compared
with other cooking oils. Highest in polyunsaturated
fats are safflower and corn oil.
Cholesterol
is an essential fat made by the liver.
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