Most foods have a certain amount of fat in them. While it is important to limit all kinds of fats, some kinds are better for your health than others. Reading nutrition labels allows you to know exactly how much fat is in the food you are preparing. They can help you decide which foods are the lowest in fats, especially the bad fats. It also helps you to have an idea of which bad fat foods to avoid.
Saturated Fat Foods
According to the MedlinePlus website, saturated fats are the number one dietary cause for elevated LDL ("bad cholesterol") levels. Only 10 percent of daily calories should come from saturated fat. The Mayo Clinic says that foods high in saturated fats are mostly animal-based products, like red meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products and butter or lard. Coconut, palm and other tropical oils are also high in saturated fat.
Trans Fat Foods
The MedlinePlus website states that trans fats are formed when vegetable oil goes through hydrogenation. These fats can raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol"). According to the Mayo Clinic, foods high in trans fats are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, commercial baked goods, fried foods and shortening or margarine. Commercial baked goods are foods like crackers, cookies and cakes. Trans fatty fried foods include foods like doughnuts and french fries.
Foods High In Dietary Cholesterol
According to 2007 findings from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, dietary cholesterol is not needed because the liver is able to produce sufficient amounts for the body. In a report by the Mayo Clinic, dietary cholesterol should be kept below 300 mg each day. Foods high in dietary cholesterol are animal products like red meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, butter and lard.
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