Monounsaturated Vs. Polyunsaturated Fat

Monounsaturated Vs. Polyunsaturated Fat
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Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat are beneficial to the diet, providing healthy advantages through a variety of food sources. They are considered the healthy fats, as opposed to the unhealthy fats, saturated and trans.

Monounsaturated Fat

Monounsaturated fat is one type of healthy fat. It has the ability to lower risk of heart disease and keep the heart healthy.

Monounsaturated Fat Food Sources

Monounsaturated fat is found primarily in fish, seeds, nuts and oils. It is also found in avocados and peanut butter.

Polyunsaturated Fat

Polyunsaturated fat is the second type of healthy fat. It helps lower unhealthy LDL cholesterol and aids in brain function.

Polyunsaturated Fat Food Sources

Polyunsaturated fat is found in oily fish--trout, salmon and herring. Seeds and nuts also contain polyunsaturated fat.

Considerations

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat should be included in the diet. Both types provide different benefits to the body. Conveniently, foods such as fish and nuts contain both of them.

References

Article reviewed by I.P. Last updated on: Aug 17, 2011

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