Using Fats and Oils

Fats are not only found naturally in foods, but also added during preparation, cooking and serving. They are essential to our health, but not all the fats have same effect on your health.

Saturated fats such as butter, lard and dripping, have been identified as having the potential to increase the risk of Cardiovascular Disease. This is beacause they raise the levels of cholesterol in the blood stream. However, other fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found in plant based oils and fish, are healthier and protect against diseases.

Monounsaturated fats, which are found in abudance in olive and canon oils, have been shown to reduce the risk of Cardiovascular Disease when they are part of healthy food intake. So, to help modify the fats we eat, cook with olive or canola oils instead of animal fats.

Whichever oil we use, it will provide 3700KJ (880 cal) per 100g. So, we should use all fats, including oils, sparingly.