What are polyunsaturated fats? Oils that contain polyunsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature but start to turn solid when chilled. Olive oil is an example of a type of oil that contains polyunsaturated fats. How do polyunsaturated fats affect my health? Polyunsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood which can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells. Oils rich in polyunsaturated fats also contribute vitamin E to the diet, an antioxidant vitamin most Americans need more of. Oils rich in polyunsaturated fats also provide essential fats that your body needs but can’t produce itself – such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. You must get essential fats through food. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are important for many functions in the body. Are polyunsaturated fats better for me than saturated fats or trans fats? Yes. While, all fats provide 9 calories per gram, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can have a positive effect on your health, when eaten in moderation. The bad fats – saturated fats and trans fats – can negatively affect your health. Which foods are high in polyunsaturated fats? Most foods contain a combination of fats. Foods high in polyunsaturated fat include a number of plant-based oils, including:
Monounsaturated fats can have a beneficial effect on your heart when eaten in moderation and when used to replace saturated fat and trans fat in your diet. What are monounsaturated fats? From a chemical standpoint, monounsaturated fats are simply fat molecules that have one unsaturated carbon bond in the molecule, this is also called a double bond. Oils that contain monounsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature but start to turn solid when chilled. Olive oil is an example of a type of oil that contains monounsaturated fats. How do monounsaturated fats affect my health? Monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood which can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells. Oils rich in monounsaturated fats also contribute vitamin E to the diet, an antioxidant vitamin most Americans need more of. Are monounsaturated fats better for me than saturated fats or trans fats? Yes. While, all fats provide 9 calories per gram, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can have a positive effect on your health, when eaten in moderation. The bad fats – saturated fats and trans fats – can negatively affect your health. Which foods contain monounsaturated fats? Most foods contain a combination of different fats. Examples of foods high in monounsaturated fats include plant-based liquid oils such as:
Tips for reducing Dietary Fat: 1) Assess your fat intake 2)Read food labels and become familiar with the fat content of food. 3) Check the presence of trans-fatty acids by reading food labels and looking for the words . Look for the words "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" to identify foods that should be consumed in limited amounts. 4) Substitute olive oil or canola oil for margarine, butter, or lard. 5) Avoid a "forbidden fruit" approach to food selection. any food can be enjoyed in moderation. | DO NOW: Touch My Can! LEARNING TARGETS: We will understand what essential nutrients are and why they are necessary for your overall wellness.
SEED QUESTIONS: What are polyunsaturated fats? How do polyunsaturated fats affect my health? Are polyunsaturated fats better for me than saturated fats or transfats? Which food are high in polyunsaturated fats? Compare and contrast saturated and unsaturated fats? ACTIVITY: Fitness Testing/Class Game/Play Communities Closure: Exit Slip # 9 |