Understanding fats: The differences

 

Don't fear the fat

 

Over the years calorie-counting has often been heralded as the best way to monitor and control daily food intake. In recent years, however, the focus has shifted to fat content, with many brands heavily promoting lower-fat versions of best-selling products.

Fats form one of seven key food groups, which when eaten in the correct proportions play an important role in a healthy balanced diet. The key food groups comprise:

 

 

While women should try not to exceed 70g of fat per day and men 90g, it's important to remember that the body needs a certain quantity of fat to complete vital functions, such as the absorption of vitamins. The key lies in understanding the difference between 'good' fats and 'bad' fats.

 

Good fats & Bad fats

 

Total fat content
High is more than 20g fat per 100g
Low is 3g fat or less per 100g

 

Saturated fat content
High is more than 5g saturates per 100g
Low is 1.5g saturates or less per 100g