Fat is not the enemy!

We used to think that foods high in cholesterol* led to the increase of “bad” cholesterol. However, it has been found that the real culprit for high LDL cholesterol is consuming too much saturated fat. What should you do?

Eat more of these:

Unsaturated fats, which include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, are beneficial. These fatty acids help increase HDL (the good cholesterol) and decrease LDL(the bad cholesterol). Healthy fats are generally liquid at room temperature. 

Good sources of monosaturated fats:

• Avocados

• Nuts and nut butters

• Vegetable oils ex. olive canola

• Good sources of polysaturated fats include

• Seeds (e.g. flax, sesame)

• Salmon, tuna and trout

Eat less of these:

Saturated fats are found in fatty meats, dark meat chicken and lard; high-fat dairy products especially cheese and coconut oil, palm oil and cocoa butter. 

*What is Cholesterol?

Learn more about cholesterol in our health library.