Olive oils, do you?

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What are oils?

Oils are fats that are liquid at room temperature, and come from many different plants and from fish. Oils are NOT a food group, but they provide essential nutrients.

How are oils different from solid fats?

All fats and oils are a mixture of saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.  Saturated fats are solid at room temperature, and include lard, butter, and coconut oil. Hydrogenated oils are unsaturated fats such as vegetable oil that have been transformed to solids through a process of hydrogenation, and are also known as trans fats.

Why are oils and fats important?

The healthiest fats to consume are polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats found in fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.  These fats do not raise the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood.  These fats are known as essential fatty acids because they provide essential nutrients to maintain health of the brain, eyes, joints, and other vital organs.  Additionally, oils are a major source of Vitamin E in typical American diets.
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