The Facts on Fats

The Facts on Fats

To be healthy, the American Heart Association recommends choosing good (unsaturated) fats, limiting saturated fats, and avoiding trans fats whenever possible.

LOVE IT

Monounsaturated & Polyunsaturated

• Can lower bad cholesterol levels
• Can lower risk of heart disease & stroke
• Can provide essential fats that your body needs but can’t produce itself

LIMIT IT

 Saturated

• Can raise good cholesterol levels
• Can increase risk of heart disease & stroke
• Can raise bad cholesterol levels

LOSE IT

Trans Fat & Hydrogenated Oils

•  Can raise bad cholesterol levels
• Can lower good cholesterol levels
• Can increase risk of heart disease & stroke
• Can increase risk of type 2 diabetes

Learn more at heart.org/eatsmart

Last Updated: April 17, 2017

Article copyright © 2017 American Heart Association.