Fat Facts

Myth: All types of fat are the same and equally bad for you.

Fact: Saturated fat and trans fat are bad for you because they raise your level of ‘bad’ cholesterol and increase our risk for heart disease.

But monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat are good for you, lowering your ‘bad’ cholesterol level and your risk of heart disease.

Myth: Lowering the amount of fat intake is what counts.

Fact: The mix of types of fat eaten, rather than the total amount in the diet, is what matters most. The key is to eat more good types of fat and less bad types of fat.

Myth: Fat-free equals being healthy.

Fact: Many types of fat-free food are high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and calories.

Myth: Eating a low-fat diet is the key to weight loss.

Fact: Cutting calories is the key to weight loss and since fat is filling, it can help curb overeating.

Myth: All body fat is the same.

Fact: Where you carry your fat matters. The health risks are greater if your weight tends to accumulate around your abdomen, as opposed to your hips and thighs.

A lot of belly fat is stored deep below the skin surrounding the abdominal organs and liver, and having too much of belly fat is closely linked to insulin resistance and diabetes.

Source: Helpguide, a non-profit website in collaboration with Harvard Health Publications, the consumer health publishing division of Harvard Medical School.