The Importance Of Fat In Your Diet

Trans fats

Trans fats are very unhealthy fats, as they can raise LDL cholesterol levels. Diabetes Canada recommends that these types of fats kept to a minimum in your daily diet. Foods that contain trans fats include:

• Processed snack foods (for example, crackers and potato chips)
• Processed baked goods (for example, muffins, cookies and cakes)
• Hard margarine
• Shortening

A word about fat content in foods

While you may be aiming to decrease the amount of fat you eat by choosing “low fat” versions of your favourite foods, such as flavoured low-fat yogurts, foods that are advertised as low fat may not actually be a healthier choice than higher-fat foods, as the fats are sometimes replaced by unhealthy ingredients such as sugars and starches.

While fat is an important component of your nutrition plan, choose healthier fats – such as monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats – and avoid unhealthier fats when planning your daily diet.