Monounsaturated fats – Thought of as healthy fats, these are usually liquid at room temperature but can turn solid when cooled. They lower bad cholesterol that clogs arteries and can lead to heart disease, and raise good cholesterol that’s needed to transport harmful fat away from the arteries to the liver.
Polyunsaturated fats – There are two main types of this: omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These remain liquid even when chilled and are essential to have in our diet, as our bodies cannot produce them.
Saturated fats – Found in animal and vegetable fat sources – these are considered fuel for the body although they tend to raise both good and bad cholesterol. Best to eat a moderate amount only.
Trans fats – Often referred to as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats, these have primarily been manufactured to be more stable and therefore last longer (although a small amount occurs naturally in foo<