Marsha Nunley, MD: Good Fats to Feel Better Vs. Fats Causing Depression and Hear

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Good Fats to Feel Better Vs. Fats Causing Depression and Heart DiseaseWhy Even Skinny People Need to Know Their Fats!© 2011 Health Realizations, Inc

Many Americans are under the impression that "fats" is a four-letter word ... a substance that must be shunned in your diet if you want to stay thin and avoid heart disease and other health issues. But this misguided nutritional dogma could actually be putting your health at risk, as all fats are NOT created equal -- and, in fact, some fats are absolutely essential for your body to function optimally.

It's true that some fats -- like the trans fats found in doughnuts -- need to be avoided. But others should be a regular part of your heart-healthy diet.

Repeat after us: All fat is not my enemy -- and many fats are actually my friend.

Which Two Fats Really Should be Avoided?

1. Trans Fats (Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated Fats)

In the realm of fats, there are two types you should definitely try to limit in your diet, the first being trans fats.

Trans fats are a synthetic type of fat found in margarine, shortening, fried foods like french fries and fried chicken, doughnuts, cookies, pastries and crackers. Anything that contains hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil also contains them.

Trans fat poses various serious health risks. It raises your body's level of bad cholesterol (LDL) while scrubbing away the good cholesterol (HDL) that keeps your arteries clean. Your arteries can become clogged, making them inflexible, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Trans fat can also increase triglycerides and inflammation, a direct link to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

While many food manufacturers have removed trans fats from popular processed foods in recent years, there is a labeling "catch" you should know. The FDA allows food manufacturers to round to zero any ingredient that accounts for less than 0.5 grams per serving. So while a product may claim to be "trans-fat-free" it can legally contain up to 0.5 grams per serving. While this may seem like an insignificant amount, over time this small fraction can add up, especially if you eat more than one serving at a time