 |
J. Lynne Brown, PhD, RD Responds:
Yes, some fat is required to stay healthy. Fat is necessary to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), plus a number of antioxidants found in vegetables and fruits. For example, the antioxidant lycopene is better absorbed from tomatoes cooked in oil. In addition, you need fat to insulate and cushion your internal organs and skeleton and to maintain healthy skin, lung, and intestinal function.
So don't try to eliminate fat altogether, which would be difficult to do in any case. Instead, aim to keep fat to less than 35% of your daily calorie intake. For heart health, use cooking oils that are high in monounsaturated fats, like olive and canola oils, more often than those high in polyunsaturated fats, like corn, safflower, soybean, and sunflower oils. Keep your intake of saturated and trans fats low. Fat has a place in a balanced diet, but choose it carefully.
|
J. Lynne Brown
PhD, RD
|
