Fat is a sort of nutrient, and like carbohydrates and protein, your body needs some fat for energy, to absorb vitamins, and to guard your heart and mind health. For years we have been told that eating fat will add inches to your waist, increase cholesterol, and cause a multitude of health issues. But today we know that not all fat is the same.

Bad fats, such as artificial trans fats and saturated fats, are accountable for the unhealthy things all fats are blamed for–weight gain, clogged arteries, an increased risk of certain diseases etc. However, good fats like polyunsaturated fats and omega-3s have the opposite effect. In actuality, healthy fats play a massive role in assisting you to manage your moods, keep on top of your mental game, fight fatigue, and also control your weight.

By understanding the difference between good and bad fats and how to add more healthy fat in your diet, you can boost your mood, boost your energy and well-being, and also drop weight.

Small amounts of naturally occurring trans fats are found in dairy and meat products, but it’s artificial trans fats which are deemed dangerous. This is the worst kind of fat because it increases not only terrible LDL cholesterol but also lowers good HDL levels. Artificial trans fats may also cause inflammation, which is linked to heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions and leads to insulin resistance, which increases your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Saturated fat. While not as damaging as trans fat, saturated fat may increase bad LDL cholesterol, and too much may negatively affect heart health, so it is best consumed in moderation. While there is no need to cut out all saturated fat out of your diet, many nutrition experts recommend limiting it to 10 per cent of your daily calories.