The whole world seems to be onboard for better overall health, but there’s still debate over what’s good and bad for your body. While some theories are still iffy, heart health is one thing that science has a better hold on. Good fats and bad fats, for example, are fairly cut-and-dry in the eyes of nutritionists and dieticians alike.
Read ahead to beef up your knowledge of good fats, bad fats, and how both are either beneficial or detrimental to your heart health.
How to Read Nutrition Labels to Determine Good Fats and Bad Fats
Nutrition labels are there for an important reason: to let you know how good different foods would be for your health. Ergo, you should look at nutrition labels to discern which foods would be best in terms of good fats or bad fats.
Good fats come from plants and oils and are listed on nutrition labels as omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fat, or polyunsaturated fat. This could include foods like salmon, cheese, avocados, sunflower seeds, and eggs.
Bad fats are harmful to your cholesterol, which could drive up your blood pressure and bring on heart attacks, strokes, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. These kinds of fats are commonly saturated, and can be found in foods like French fries, white bread, candy bars, pastries, and ice cream.
It’s worth noting that bad fats have been documented to contribute to bad moods that incorporate depression and anxiety. Most online anger management courses note that one of the keys to controlling one’s upset is to eat well to encourage health of both body and mind.
Good Fats Promote Satiety Between Meals, While Bad Fats Spike Hunger
Good fats, like the aforementioned avocados and eggs, help keep you fuller for longer, as they are combined with hunger-fighting proteins that need more time to break down and distribute through your body.
Whereas, bad fats, such as candies and carb-laden snacks, are often combined with processed sugars. This spikes your blood sugar, then brings it crashing back down to cause headaches, horrible moods, and constant feelings of hunger or dissatisfaction.
Good Fat Foods to Incorporate into Your Diet
Salads might seem boring and dull in flavor, but they can be packed with good fats to make them flavorful and more satisfying to keep you full through the afternoon. Throw together the usual veggies that you love, then add heart-healthy foods like avocado slices, sunflower seeds, walnuts, smoked salmon, and hard-boiled eggs.