CEO of Absolo Joseph Arsenault suggests choosing the right fatty acids

The fats in our foods are made up of different fatty acids that have various functions in our bodies. They are classified as either saturated or unsaturated.

Trans fatty acids are another type of fat created in food processing, but can also be found in small amounts in meat and dairy products. Trans fatty acids major sources are cakes, cookies, chips, and other commercially made snacks and fried foods.

Saturated fats raise blood cholesterol (LDL or bad cholesterol), which is the major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.Trans fatty acids not only increase LDL cholesterol, but also lower your HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). HDL cholesterol helps the body dispose of your LDL – bad – cholesterol, thereby decreasing your risk of heart disease.

Saturated fats come from animal sources, such as beef and butter, but are also found in some plant sources (palm and coconut oils). Unsaturated fats are found mainly in plant sources. Fish is the only animal source for unsaturated fats.

Trans fatty acids are another type of fat created in food processing, but can also be found in small amounts in meat and dairy products. Trans fatty acids major sources are cakes, cookies, chips, and other commercially made snacks and fried foods.