Fat is the next source of energy when sugars begin to run low. This is the point of the low carb diets. If no sugars are available, the body must use the fat stores as energy. Of course not all fat is bad and some is necessary for good health. Without it the body could not process “fat soluble” vitamins A, D, E and K, which are essential to good health. There are several types of fat.

    Saturated fat is the one most strongly linked to high cholesterol and heart disease. Examples are butter, lard, coconut oil, palm kernel oil and dairy products.

    Polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in vegetable and fish oils. The two essential fatty acids, Linoleic Acid and Alpha Linoleic Acid, as well as omega 3's, are found here. These are necessary for good health and must be gotten from the diet as the body cannot manufacture them from other fats. Fish is an excellent source.

    Mono unsaturated fats are abundant in olive oil and canola oil. This type of fat is also of interest because it may play a role in reducing the risk of health problems, such as heart disease and possibly even some cancers.

    Hydrogenated fats and trans fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that have undergone a man made process to convert them to saturated fats. Corn oil is hydrogenated into margarine. Researchers believe they have some of the same harmful properties associated with the saturated fats that occur naturally. Others believe they are worse as the hydrogenation changes the shape and structure of the fatty acids into a form — known as “trans” — that would not otherwise occur. The body utilizes this form in a way that is different from its use of the original fatty acids.

    Best bet; see that the majority of the fat in your diet is unsaturated.