Bad fats are primarily saturated fats and trans fats. These types of fats can negatively impact your health, increasing your risk of heart disease and other health problems.
Understanding "Bad" Fats
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Saturated Fats: Found in animal products like meat, poultry, and dairy, as well as some plant-based foods like coconut oil and palm oil. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise your "bad" cholesterol (LDL), increasing your risk of heart disease. [Source: BHF, Mayo Clinic, MedlinePlus]
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Trans Fats: These are artificially created fats often found in processed foods, baked goods, and fried foods. Trans fats significantly raise your LDL cholesterol and lower your HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol), posing a considerable risk to your cardiovascular health. Even small amounts of trans fats can be harmful. [Source: Harvard Health, Nutrition Source]
Why are they considered "bad"?
Both saturated and trans fats contribute to high cholesterol levels. High cholesterol increases the risk of:
- Heart disease: Plaque buildup in arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes. [Source: NHS, Mayo Clinic, MedlinePlus]
- Other health problems: Saturated fat intake has been linked to various health issues beyond heart disease. [Source: MedlinePlus]
Reducing your intake of bad fats
To improve your health, reduce your intake of foods high in saturated and trans fats. Focus on replacing them with healthier alternatives like:
- Monounsaturated fats: Found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
- Polyunsaturated fats: Found in vegetable oils like sunflower and corn oil, fatty fish, and nuts. [Source: Harvard Health, Healthline, Scripps Health]
These "good" fats offer several health benefits and can help lower your risk of heart disease. [Source: FamilyDoctor.org]
