Back to All Blogs
Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute 30 Aug 2020

Fats – Healthy or Harmful to the Heart?

Learn how to choose food with fats that are good for your heart

When most of us hear the word fat, we immediately think of our waistlines. It is important to understand that eating fat doesn’t necessarily make you gain weight.In fact, you need certain types of fats to survive and be healthy.

The body uses dietary fat for energy; most vitamins and nutrients couldn’t be absorbed without it. Fat protects your cells and nerves, and it is necessary for certain functions like blood clotting and muscle movement. Your body cannot make all the fats you need, so you have to get it from food.

Trans fat or too much saturated fat is bad for you.

Trans fats are found in processed food which have been modified to prevent spoiling. Check the labels of the food products you buy. If the label says “partially hydrogenated oil”, you should try to find a better alternative. Eating trans fats raises cholesterol and causes inflammation, increasing your risk of heart disease. Examples of foods high in trans fats include:

  • Fried foods like doughnuts, French fries, etc.
  • Baked goods including cakes, pie crusts, biscuits, frozen pizza, cookies and crackers
  • Margarine, shortening and other spreads
  • Microwave popcorn
  • Non-dairy creamer

When it comes to saturated fat, the biggest factor impacting your health is the amount you consume. Your cholesterol levels may increase dramatically if you eat too much saturated fat, which can cause blockages to form in your veins and arteries. However, saturated fats are also found in foods like whole milk dairy products and red meat, which offer other nutritional benefits. Eating small amounts should be fine if you don’t already have heart disease or other special dietary requirements. Examples of foods containing saturated fats include:

  • Fatty beef, lamb, poultry with skin
  • Beef fat (tallow), butter
  • Cream, cheese and other dairy products made from whole or reduced-fat milk
  • Some plant-based oils (e.g. palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil)

Monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and limited amounts of saturated fats are good for you.

Vegetables, nuts, seeds and certain plant based cooking oils are excellent sources of good fat. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (polyunsaturated), have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Examples of monosaturated and polyunsaturated foods include:

  • Avocados
  • Walnuts
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Flax seeds
  • Soybeans
  • Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and trout
  • Plant based oils such as olive, canola, peanut, safflower, sesame, soybean, corn and sunflower oil

A final bit of advice: everything should be done in moderation. While some types of fats are good for you, consuming too much of it can cause serious health conditions. Be mindful and try not to exceed recommended daily nutritional needs.

Get Access to the Latest Health & Wellness Advice

Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from our health & wellness blog.

CCAD
CCAD

Advancing Care for Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Cancers

At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we offer the latest diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options...

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Happy with the care you received?

If you or a loved one have received care at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, please take a moment to...

Review Now
CCAD
CCAD

Where Hope Begins

Comprehensive Cancer Care, Close to Home

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Living with Epilepsy?

We Offer Specialized Care, Advanced Diagnostics and Treatment, and a Range of Support Services.

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Leading Heart Surgery, Close to Home

Our World-Renowned Heart Surgeons Offer Experience and Expertise for the Best Possible Outcomes.

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Dedicate a Day to Your Health

Invest in Your Future Wellbeing and Book Our Comprehensive Health Check-Up.

Learn More

Related Articles

3 Simple Tips to Stay Healthy During Ramadan
Ramadan
06 Apr 2021

3 Simple Tips to Stay...

Healthy habits during the holy month are also very important in order to avoid gaining weight. We...

Read Articles
Top Tips for Healthy Eating During Ramadan
Ramadan
06 Apr 2021

Top Tips for Healthy...

During the Holy month of Ramadan, adult muslims practice daily fasting from dawn until sunset. Make...

Read Articles
Bariatric Surgery: Focus on Weight Loss Surgery
Digestive Disease Resources
28 Sep 2020

Bariatric Surgery: Focus...

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery can help obese people to lose significant amounts of...

Read Articles
10 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute
30 Aug 2020

10 Ways to Reduce the...

Some of the most important factors contributing to the development of heart disease are lifestyle...

Read Articles
CCAD

Our Doctors

Meet all the doctors from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

View Doctors
CCAD

Patient Stories

Listen to the inspiring stories from our patients.

Learn More
CCAD

Insurance Partners

We partner with many insurance companies offering coverage for your care.

Explore More