Fitness Month Tip #4:
Just the Fats and Nothing But the Fats
May 21st marks our 5th Annual Step Into Fitness Faire on the south Capitol Lawn from 11:00 – 1:00. Last year we had an estimated 2500 participate with more than 40 vendors and demonstrators. Below is a little information about fats. Come out on Wednesday to receive some tasty, healthy, “good-fat” treats and indulge in a little walkabout with Senator Tom Torlakson and Assemblymember Lloyd Levine. We hope to see you Wednesday at the Faire.
In case you missed the Wellness Task Force’s briefing last year, here are some simple definitions to help you make easy, healthy choices.
Monounsaturated Fats: The good guys! These plant-based fats are liquid at room temperature and can lower cholesterol when replacing saturated fats. Examples include peanut, canola and olive oils. (See next week’s Health Tip for a great, nutty recipe.)
Polyunsaturated Fats: More fat fighters! Like monounsaturated fats, these plant- and fish-derived fats can help lower cholesterol when replacing saturated fats. Examples include safflower, sunflower, soybean, and sesame. They are also found in fatty fishes like tuna and salmon.
Saturated Fats: Watch out for these ones! Found mostly in animal products, these solid fats raise harmful cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase risk of cardiovascular disease. Examples include some favorites like butter, pork and cheese. Everything in moderation, my friends. They are also found in snack items that contain tropical oils (palm, palm kernel and coconut – all solid at room temperature).
Trans Fats: These are the killers! Stop. Turn. Walk Away. Also known as partially hydrogenated oils, these fats occur when hydrogen is injected into the fat. They significantly raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol. It’s a double whammy! Some meats and dairy have naturally occurring trans fats, but it’s unknown if they have the same effects as the “man made” version. Check the labels on all packaged bake goods, snack items, cake mixes, etcetera. There are plenty of “trans fat free” options available and your life is worth the few extra minutes it takes to read a label.
Health Tips provided by the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness (Wellness Task Force). Senator Tom Torlakson, Chair.
