Know The Difference Between Good Fat and Bad Fat

Contrary to popular belief, not all fats and cholesterols are bad. In fact, studies have shown that there are some fats and some cholesterol that can reduce the risk of one developing heart disease and have the potential to improve your health. When planning your meals, take these good and bad fats and cholesterols into account to create healthy and well-balanced meal plans.

There are two types of cholesterol, HDL and LDL. Both types of cholesterol are unable to dissolve in the blood, therefore are carried throughout the bloodstream by the lipoproteins found within the blood. Although both types of cholesterol are found within the body, both types have completely different effects on the body when introduced.

HDL is considered to be the "good cholesterol" and accounts for 24-34% of the total blood cholesterol. HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein and has been shown to protect against heart attack. Low levels of the "good cholesterol" have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol keeps harmful cholesterol away from the heart, instead transporting the cholesterol out of the body via the liver.

On the other hand, LDL is considered to the "bad cholesterol". Low density Lipoprotein is the most commonly known type of cholesterol. LDL builds up in the arteries over time and can cause the blood flow to become decreased to the heart and to the brain. This "bad cholesterol" is responsible for the plaque deposits that accumulate in the arteries, narrowing the arteries and leading to heart attacks or strokes in the patient. Increased amounts of LDL have been associated with high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the body that can quicken the development of fatty deposits in the arteries.

As well as bad fats, there are good fats. These unsaturated fats are part of a healthy diet and can help to lower the blood cholesterol levels. These unsaturated fats can be found in olive oil, canola oil and avocados.

Other oils contain polyunsaturated fats, such as; corn, safflower, soy, raw nuts and sunflower seed oils. These fats are beneficial as they can slow the accumulation of LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of blood clots, and reduce the risk of potentially fatal irregular fetal heartbeats. These fats can also be found in albacore tuna, herring, lake trout and salmon.

Saturated fats are known as the bad fats. These fats are found in foods like meat, cheese, butter and other high-fat dairy products contain high levels of saturated fats and should be avoided. These foods are dangerous for the heart and can cause increased levels of LDL cholesterol within the blood.

Trans fats are another type of fat, as they are developed by chemically solidifying liquid vegetable oils to improve how long the item will last. These foods are the most dangerous for the heart and should be avoided. Cookies, crackers, margarine, processed food and solid shortening all contain high levels of trans fats. Not only can Trans fat increase the amount of LDL in the body, it can decrease the amounts of HDL found within the body. People who consume high levels of Trans fats increase their risk of developing heart disease and strokes.

Prior to Lap-Band weight loss surgery, it is important that you reduce the bad fats and focus on good fats and any diet specified by your doctor.