Why do I need fat in my diet?

Fat is demonized in the media and because of this, many people fear it. They avoid consuming any foods that contain high amounts of fat so that they can avoid disease and stay as healthy as possible.

The demonization of fat is partially merited but the media never tells the full story. There are two types of fats - saturated and unsaturated. The consumption of the former is closely linked to negative health consequences but eating the latter can actually benefit your health.

Unsaturated fatty acids provide a number of health benefits and you should include them in your diet every day for this reason. Some of the health benefits of unsaturated fatty acids can include better heart and blood vessel function, improved brain health, lower inflammation, improvements in asthma symptoms, and even improved mental health.

You can find high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids in oily fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds.