{"id":43963,"date":"2026-02-05T06:29:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T06:29:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/not-all-fats-are-foes-the-role-of-dietary-fats-as-nutrients\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T06:29:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T06:29:12","slug":"not-all-fats-are-foes-the-role-of-dietary-fats-as-nutrients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/not-all-fats-are-foes-the-role-of-dietary-fats-as-nutrients\/","title":{"rendered":"Not All Fats Are Foes: The Role of Dietary Fats as Nutrients"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For decades, fat has been the villain in the nutrition world. The &#8220;low-fat&#8221; craze led many to believe that cutting all fat was the key to weight loss and good health. However, this oversimplified view ignores a crucial truth: fat is an essential macronutrient. Understanding\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">dietary fats&#8217; role as nutrients<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is vital for anyone looking to improve their health, especially when creating a new eating plan. Not all fats are created\u00a0equal, and\u00a0knowing the difference between the good and the bad is key. This guide will help you\u00a0identify\u00a0the best\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">sources of dietary fat<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and show you how to incorporate them into your life for better energy, brain function, and overall wellness.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">At\u00a0<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/contact-us\/\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Doral Health &amp; Wellness<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, we have all the answers you need.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Understanding\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/dietary-fats-nutrition-and-calories\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dietary Fats<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">&#8216; Role as Nutrients<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Far from being just empty calories, fats play a fundamental role in keeping your body running smoothly. At nine calories per gram, they are the most energy-dense macronutrient, providing a powerful fuel source.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Beyond energy, fats are critical for several bodily functions:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Nutrient Absorption:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning your body cannot absorb them without fat. A fat-free diet can lead to deficiencies in these essential vitamins.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hormone Production:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Your body needs fat to produce important hormones, including steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cell Structure:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Fats are a major\u00a0component\u00a0of the membrane that surrounds every cell in your body, protecting it and controlling what enters and exits.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Brain Health:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0The brain is\u00a0nearly 60%\u00a0fat. Healthy fats like omega-3s are essential for brain development and function.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Promoting this kind of\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">health awareness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0helps people make more informed choices, especially when crafting a\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">January diet plan<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0that is both effective and sustainable.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Good, the Bad, and the In-Between: Sources of Dietary Fat<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The health impact of fat depends entirely on its type. Learning to distinguish between them is a cornerstone of healthy eating.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The &#8220;Good&#8221; Fats: Unsaturated Fats<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">These are the fats you want to prioritize. They are typically liquid at room temperature and are known for their heart-health benefits. There are two main types:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Monounsaturated Fats:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Found in olive oil, avocados, nuts (like almonds and pecans), and seeds. They help lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Polyunsaturated Fats:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Include\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-omega-3-fatty-acids\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">omega-3<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and omega-6 fatty acids. Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and sardines), walnuts, flaxseeds, and sunflower oil. Omega-3s are particularly important for reducing inflammation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The &#8220;Bad&#8221; Fats: Trans Fats<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Artificial trans fats are created through an industrial process called hydrogenation. They have no known health benefits and are proven to increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. They are often found in:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fried foods<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Baked goods (cookies, cakes, pie crusts)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Margarine and shortening<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Always check labels for &#8220;partially hydrogenated oils&#8221; and avoid them completely.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The &#8220;In-Between&#8221; Fats: Saturated Fats<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Found primarily in animal products like red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy, as well as tropical oils like coconut and palm oil. The role of saturated fat is more debated than that of trans fat. While a high intake is linked to increased LDL cholesterol, moderate consumption can be part of a healthy diet, especially when it is part of a balanced<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0diet plan<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How to Incorporate Healthy Fats<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Making the switch to healthier fat sources\u00a0doesn&#8217;t\u00a0have to be complicated.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cook with Olive Oil:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Use extra virgin olive oil for dressings and light saut\u00e9ing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Eat More Fish:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Aim for at least two servings of fatty fish per week.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Snack on Nuts and Seeds:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0A small handful of almonds or walnuts is a great energy-boosting snack.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Add Avocado:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Slice it onto toast, add it to salads, or blend it into smoothies.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:220,&quot;335559739&quot;:220}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By embracing these simple changes, you enhance your\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">health awareness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and build a diet that supports long-term wellness. Remember, when it comes to fats, quality trumps quantity every time.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">At\u00a0<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/contact-us\/\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Doral Health &amp; Wellness<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, we have all the answers you need.<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0By working together, we can foster a community where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their best possible health.\u00a0If you ever have questions or feel uncertain about your care, we encourage you to speak up. Our team is here to listen and provide the clarity you deserve. For further inquiries, call us\u00a0on\u00a0+<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">1- 718-367-2555<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to get a consultation or<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Worried about fat in your diet? Learn about dietary fats&#8217; role as nutrients and discover the healthiest sources of dietary fat to add to your meals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":43964,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43963","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nutrition","post_format-post-format-standard"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43963","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43963"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43963\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43963"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}