WHICH IS HEALTHIER? SATURATED FAT OR UNSATURATED FAT?

Which is healthier? Saturated fat or unsaturated fat? Which foods are high in saturated fat, and which are high in unsaturated fat? It’s now well-known that eliminating fat altogether is not the healthiest route. But some fats are more worthy (health-wise) than others.

We’re going to give you a primer on each and teach you which ones are healthier. But first: there are three main types of fat—saturated, unsaturated and trans. Trans fats are predominantly man-made and are the worst health-wise; so much so that they’ve been banned in the U.S.

Then there are saturated fats and unsaturated fats.

What are saturated fats?

What differentiates the types of fat is how they’re built (meaning their chemical structure), and then because of their chemical structure they function differently in our bodies.

All fats are built of carbons and hydrogens. Saturated fats are chains of carbon atoms with as many hydrogen atoms on that chain as possible. The carbons are, literally, saturated. Because those carbon chains are so full with hydrogen atoms, the chains are stiffer, less flexible. This is why saturated fats are solid at room temperature (think: butter, the white fat on a cut of red meat, etc.).

saturated fats – google image

What foods are they in?

Butter
Ghee
Lard
Oils that are solid at room temperature, like coconut oil
Whole milk & other full-fat dairy products
Cheese
Red meat & processed red meats
Baked goods

What are unsaturated fats?

Unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature (not solid like saturated varieties). Structurally, they don’t have as many hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms (i.e., they’re less saturated). Within the category of unsaturated fats, there are two main subcategories—monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats have heart-health benefits, though polys seem to have a slight edge over monos.

unsaturated fats – google image

What foods are they in?

Oils that are liquid at room temperature (i.e., vegetable, nut & seed oils)
Nuts
Seeds
Fatty, oily fish, such as salmon, tuna, trout, etc.
Avocado

Which fats are healthier—saturated or unsaturated fats?

Saturated fat—when compared to unsaturated fat—will always be the less healthy one – google image

For nearly six decades, health experts and organizations like the American Heart Association have recommended that for the sake of our heart health, we be mindful of—and limit—our saturated fat intake. That’s because research over the years has suggested that limiting saturated fat consumption could lower your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). And about 1 in every 3 deaths in the U.S. is related to CVD.

A growing body of research, and some outspoken health experts and journalists, however, have more recently called into question just how bad saturated fat really is for your heart health. That debate is still not settled. But the final verdict on saturated fat and how bad it really is for you is somewhat irrelevant because saturated fat—when compared to unsaturated fat—will always be the less healthy one. Here’s why:

Many studies have found that people who eat more unsaturated fat and less saturated fat have lower rates of cardiovascular disease—as well as lower rates of other major causes of death. So, you see, it isn’t just about heart health.
Also, in studies where people replace some of their saturated fat with unsaturated fat (particularly polyunsaturated fat) their risk of cardiovascular disease diminishes significantly. Some studies found this dietary shift to be as effective as taking a statin.
Other research has shown that people who eat a lot of saturated fat eat less of other nutrients, like unsaturated fat and/or carbohydrates. In other words, more saturated fat in your diet could potentially edge out those known healthy unsaturated fats.
One particular type of polyunsaturated fat—omega-3s—has ample science-backed health benefits. Research has shown omega-3s have potential brain- and heart-health benefits, as well as other anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for various conditions.

Bottom line

Healthy eating starts with a diet rich in whole foods, including sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, eggs, and olive oil.

Just as overconsuming any macronutrient can cause weight gain, eating too many fat-rich foods can cause you to gain weight if the calories aren’t accounted for elsewhere in your diet.

Having overweight or obesity can raise your risk for heart disease and other chronic health conditions like diabetes.

However, fats are an essential part of the diet. Try to choose the right types of fats and to enjoy them in moderation as part of a healthful eating plan.

Source: Healthline, Eatingwell