Good Fats vs. Bad Fats

Good fats are, well, good! We all need good fats in our diet but it is important that we understand which fats are good and which fats are bad. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fats, and increasing unsaturated fats for optimal health.
Saturated fats are the fats we need to stay away from. Saturated fats are responsible for the rise in “bad” cholesterol in our blood which in turn increases our risk for heart disease. Foods such as cream, poultry with skin, and cheese should be eaten in moderation. Based on a 2000 calorie per day diet, the average person should only eat about 13-20 grams of saturated fats per day.
Unsaturated fats are the good fats that we should be adding to our diet. Unsaturated fats have been found to improve blood cholesterol levels, ease inflammation, stabilize heart rhythms. Foods such as avocado, coconut oil, and salmon are good options to add to our diets. Based on a 2000 calorie per day diet, the average person should eat about 40-62 grams of unsaturated fats per day. Please remember to talk to your doctor before making major changes to your diet. 

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