Dietary fat

Definition:

Put simply, dietary fat is the fat you get from the food you eat. It’s an essential nutrient your body needs to function properly. Fat provides your body with energy, helps to absorb vitamins, and cushions your organs. There are two main types of dietary fat: saturated and unsaturated.

• Saturated fat is usually solid at room temperature, and it’s found in meat, dairy, and plant-based oils like palm oil and coconut oil. Eating too much saturated fat can raise your cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease.
• Unsaturated fat, on the other hand, is liquid at room temperature. There are two types of unsaturated fat: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Sources of unsaturated fat include nuts, seeds, olives, avocados, and fatty fish. Unsaturated fat can help lower your bad cholesterol levels and raise your good cholesterol levels.