When it comes to eating for heart health, it’s not always as simple as some foods are “bad” while others are “good”. These “bad” fats are worth a second look.
Photo: Photo: Morgan Hunt Glaze. EatingWell design. We’ve come a long way from the days of low-fat or fat-free everything, as we have learned more about the nuance behind the role dietary fat can play in our overall health. Not all fat is “bad” and there’s a time and place for every type of fat in a healthy diet, even when you’re prioritizing heart health.
Like most things, it’s all about balance. Fat is essential for cell function, nutrient absorption, hormone balance, body temperature regulation and more. Some fats like saturated fat , are considered “bad” by some because eating too much can increase your cholesterol and overall heart disease risk.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that foods high in fat, even saturated fat , are totally off the table in a heart-healthy diet. In fact, many high-fat foods are packaged with other essential nutrients which may promote heart health. We asked the experts to weigh in on which “bad” fats that you should actually be eating for better heart health—here’s what they said.
5 "Bad" Things You Should Actually Be Doing for Better Heart Health, According to Experts 1. Seed Oils
If you’ve spent any time scrolling social media in the last few months, you’ve likely come across controversial opinions on whether seed oils (such as corn, canola and sunflower) are good for you. We’re here to reassure you that seed oils are safe and even have some health benefits. “The science is clear, even if influencers on social media aren’t,” says Alexandra Caspero, RD , registered dietitian, NYT-bestselling chef and founder of Delish Knowledge.
She explains that “the science on fat sources has been consistent for decades. Swapping out high saturated fat foods, like red meat, in favor of unsaturated fats, like seed oils, helps lower harmful LDL cholesterol levels.” For example, a recent large meta-analysis found that replacing some saturated fats with polyunsaturated […]
5 “Bad” Fats You Should Be Eating For Better Heart Health, According to Experts
