Dietary Fats – Demystified

Monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated ... dietary fats are confusing. Some benefit you and help increase HDL, or “good,” cholesterol. Others increase your LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, and your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Keep this chart handy to identify which fats you should focus on. When you shop for food, check nutrition labels to see what types and how many grams of fat the food contains. Choose foods with little or no unhealthy saturated and trans fats, including partially hydrogenated oil. This will strengthen your heart and improve your overall health.