I've spent the past few months figuring this out myself. Here's what I've learned:

There are many types of fat. Some are better for you than others. In order of preference, they are -

-Monounsaturated, such as olive oil (good stuff)
-Polyunsaturated
-Saturated, in other words "meat fat"
-Trans fat, or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (margarine)

Your body needs fat. However, the problem with trans fat, which is produced via an industrial process, is that it simultaneously lowers your "good" cholesterol AND raises your "bad" cholesterol. No other type of fat does that. Trans fat is used in an incredible array of foods. Almost any baked good that you buy at the store (cookies, crackers, muffins, even some bread) will contain it.

One other noteworthy item. US food labels now report the amount of trans fat per serving. However, if total trans fat is less than 0.5 grams per serving, it can be listed as "0." But check the ingredients and you'll find partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (or vegetable shortening) in practically everything. That's politics for ya.

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I would also say it is better to eat polyunsaturated fat before monosaturated fat (both are good for, just going off that preference list above). Polyunsaturated fats lower LDL levels AND raise HDL levels, whereas monosatured fats only lower LDL levels (which is good, but if we are speaking benefits, raising HDL and lower LDL is better).

quote:<HR>Originally posted by danadear:
This is off topic...just want to relay to cadburyegg that I hold you responsible for the fact that I just ate a dove chocolate candy. Everytime I read your user name I want chocolate!



:smile:<HR>

I agree!!! I think cadburyegg is a plant by Cadbury to lure us weak willed eggholics to go out and buy more eggs!!! Who can resist those little Wunderbar eggs and the Peanut Butter eggs and the Caramilk Coffee egg and my favorite...the Dove egg...