Saturated fat is normally solid at room temperature. It is found mostly in meat and dairy products (such as whole milk, butter and cheese) as well as in coconut and palm oils.
Monounsaturated fats (an Unsaturated Fat) are normally liquid at room temperature but start to solidify at refrigerator temperatures. They are found in oils such as olive oil, rapeseed oil and sesame oil. Monounsaturated fats are preferable for cooking. The high consumption of olive oil in Mediterranean countries is considered to be one of the reasons why these countries have lower levels of heart disease.
Polyunsaturated fats (an Unsaturated Fat) are normally liquid at room temperature and in the refrigerator. They are found in certain plant oils such as safflower, sunflower and soybean.
Trans fats can be found in some margarines, many fast foods, most commercially baked goods, snack foods and other foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils (such as deep-fried chips).
Fats
Fat is very often seen as 'the bad guy' in our diet, but it is important to remember that fat and the fatty acids it is made up of play a very important part in keeping our body functioning properly.
