We can all admit, there is just something comforting about a bag of chips, a greasy burger and waxy cheese. But what is all this fat doing to our bodies? What many people don't know is that fat is a nutrient and is crucial for normal body function. In fact, we could not live without it. Not only does fat supply us with energy, it also makes it possible for other nutrients to do their jobs. There are, however, four types of fat which all react in our bodies in different ways.

* Saturated fats are totally saturated, as each molecule of fat is covered in hydrogen atoms. These fats are found in found in meat (mammals), meat products, the skin of poultry and dairy products. They also found in processed foods such as cakes, biscuits, pastries and crisps, as well as coconut oil. Beware of these fats as nutritionists say that a large intake of saturated fats will eventually raise cholesterol levels, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and possibly stroke. Keeping an eye on your shopping list and dinner plate is essential to a balanced diet and to avoiding consuming too many of these fats. * Monounsaturated fat molecules are not saturated with hydrogen atoms as each fat molecule has only the space for one hydrogen atom. Health experts say the impact on health of monounsaturated fats are neutral, as they are neither good nor bad for you.

Monounsaturated fats are found in olives, groundnut oil and avocados so Mediterranean foods often contain these fats and many health professionals say too that they reduce a person's risk of developing heart disease.

* Polyunsaturated fats have a number of spaces around each molecule and are not saturated with hydrogen atoms. Nutritionists say polyunsaturated fat is good for our health, especially those from fish, known as the Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protect us from heart disease as they lower blood cholesterol levels. Health care professionals also say that Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may help reduce the symptoms experienced by people who suffer from arthritis, joint problems in general, and some skin diseases. So clearly, some fats are good.

* Trans fats are synthetically made and do not occur naturally. Created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid, trans fats might be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, but they are never saturated. Also known as partially hydrogenated oils, trans fats are not essential for human life and they most certainly do not promote good health.

Consuming trans fats increases your LDL cholesterol level (bad cholesterol) and lowers levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), which in turn raises your risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. So why are bad fats in tasty foods?

While avoiding the bad fats and adding good ones to your diet might be your goal, just remember two things on your way:
1) Do everything in moderation
2) We're only human and sometimes nothing but a bag of chips will do!

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