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Fat, Food and Your Health
The Truth About The Dreaded F-Word
By Lisamarie Sanders
Experts believe that one reason heart disease is so rare in Mediterranean countries is because of their diet rich in monounsaturated fats. Olive oil, canola oil and a wide variety of nuts contain this heart-friendly fat, which is believed to lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol when used in place of saturated fat.
Polyunsaturated Fats
Polyunsaturated fats are found in vegetable oils, including corn, safflower, soybean and sesame seed. Additionally, they can be found in some nuts, such as walnuts and pine nuts. These fats are responsible for providing our bodies with the essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-3
According to Dr. Udo Erasmus, author of Fats that Heal, Fats That Kill, Omega-3 fatty acids "reduce appetite, elevate mood, decrease inflammation, give more energy and make you feel more active." Unfortunately, most of us don't get enough of them. "The easiest way to get your Omega-3s is through fresh nuts, green leafy vegetables, seeds and deep sea, cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna," says Dr. Richard Mabray, a gynecologist and nutrition expert.
Omega-6
Luckily, getting our Omega-6s is easier. The bulk of our polyunsaturated fats come from Omega-6 fatty acids, which are abundant in most cooking oils, and therefore, in most of the foods we eat. The Bad...
