Healthy fats are represented by unsaturated fatty acids, which are divided into:
- monounsaturated, which you can find, for example, in nut butters, olive, and rapeseed oils as well as in most nuts or avocados
- polyunsaturated, that are found in fish or nuts and seeds
Monounsaturated fats are also known as omega-9 and the most popular member of this group is oleic acid. The latter is naturally found in a variety of foods, for example, in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, or avocados. Oleic acid beneficially affects optimal blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, monounsaturated fats can be especially beneficial for everyone, including people with elevated blood cholesterol levels.
Another type of healthy fats are polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our body can not synthesize (create) some of them, and so it is necessary to supplement them via other means. These include omega-3 and omega-6.
The most popular type omega-3 (EPA, ALA and DHA) includes α-linolenic acid, which is most commonly found in seed oils. As an example, you can find it in flaxseed oil, chia seeds, as well as in rapeseed or soybean oil. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are again essential for the proper functioning of the whole body and are found mainly in oily marine fish, but also in fish or krill oil.
The intake of omega-3 fatty acids has the following effects:
- EPA/DHA contribute to a proper heart function
- DHA has an effect on maintaining optimal brain functions
- DHA promotes good eyesight
- ALA affects the normal level of cholesterol in the blood
Linoleic acid is a rich source of omega-6 and can be found in sunflower, sesame, corn, or soybean oil. Its intake is very important because it contributes to maintaining optimal blood cholesterol levels.
Choose from our wide offer and feel the magic of healthy fats on your own skin. If you want to learn more about the different types of fats, then be sure to check out our article: Fats, Which Are Bad and Which Are Good?
