Fat is a type of nutrient that gives you energy and, in moderation, is part of a healthy diet. There are four kinds of fat, and each one contains nine calories per gram. Fat helps your body absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fats categorized as saturated or unsaturated. Monounsaturated fat is a type of dietary fat that is considered to be a healthy fat when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Sources of Monosaturated Fats:
Monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature but start to harden when chilled. Saturated fats and trans fats are solid at room temperature. It is a type of unsaturated fat that is typically found in plant-based foods such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and vegetable oils like olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.
Benefits of Monosaturated Fats:
Research has shown that consuming monounsaturated fats in place of saturated and trans fats have following advantages
- Cholesterol: Monounsaturated fats (MUFA) work in two ways to improve cholesterol in body. They lower your bad cholesterol levels, also called LDL cholesterol. They also help to raise your HDL good cholesterol levels.
- Heart Disease: It helps in reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Insulin Sensitivity: It helps to improve insulin sensitivity
- Type 2 Diabetes: It reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
However, it is important to keep in mind that like any type of fat, consuming too much monounsaturated fat can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Therefore, it is recommended that monounsaturated fats be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that also includes a variety of other nutrient-rich foods.