Olive oils, do you?
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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