Abundant life: Important Types of Fats

Monday, March 8, 2010

Important Types of Fats

Saturated fats

Found in animal fats and tropical oils
Do not normally go rancid, even when heated for cooking
Made in our bodies from carbohydrates
Constitute at least 50% of the cell membranes; they give cells stiffness and integrity
Needed for calcium to be effectively incorporated into skeletal system
Protect liver from alcohol and other toxins
Enhance immune system
Needed for proper use of EFAs

Sources: animal products, coconut and palm oil

Monounsaturated fats

Tend to be liquid at room temp
Do not go rancid easily can be used in cooking at moderate temperatures

Sources: olive oil, almonds, pecans, cashews, peanuts, and avocado

Polyunsaturated fats

Contain linoleic acid (omega 6) and linolenic acid (omega 3)- essential because our bodies cannot produce them
Liquid, even when refrigerated
Should never be heated

Sources: fish oil, eggs and walnuts

Cholesterol

Gives cells stiffness and stability
Precursor to steroid hormones and vitamin D
Acts as an antioxidant
Needed for proper function of serotonin receptors in the brain
Low cholesterol levels have been linked to aggressive behavior, depression and suicidal tendencies
Role in maintaining health of intestinal wall
High-serum cholesterol levels often indicates that the body needs cholesterol to protect itself from high levels of altered free-radical-containing fats

Sources: animal products

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