Healthy aspects of high fat food
January 18, 2011 
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Not all fatty foods are bad! This is because there are two types of fat: the High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) which is the good fat and the Low Density Lipoprotein, (LDL) which is the bad fat.
The good fats have several very important physiologic functions in the body: they act as constituents of bio-membranes (like phospholipids in the lungs, without it the lungs would not be able to contract and expand); they act as heat insulators and maintain warmth in the body; good cholesterol (a type of good fat) acts as the basic component of steroid hormones (progesterone, estrogen, testosterone). If this substance is absent what would happen to the full development of our secondary female and male sexual characteristics?
Good fats (HDL) come from polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and other unsaturated fats. It is called a good fat because it is responsible in dislodging any fat that is formed in the blood vessels and then it brings these fats to the liver for catabolism into less harmful substances. It has also the least fat and more protein content among the different lipoproteins, making it less harmful. They lower triglyceride (bad fat) levels and therefore decrease the risk to cardiovascular diseases or heart diseases.
These are good fats coming from a variety of foods:
1. Fats from Fruits
Avocado is high in calories and good fat. Since this is the good fat, it boosts the immune system and help in the proper functioning and development of the body.
Olives too have a lot of fiber content and is another vital source of good fat.
It contains too some of the much needed substances for the body like iron and vitamin E.
2. Fats from Nuts
Nuts were at one time believed to be detrimental to health, but eventually scientists discovered that they contain lots of fiber and some important minerals for proper body function.
3. Fats from Fish
Salmon, mackerel, tuna and some cold water fish are good sources of the omega-3 fat which comes from fish oil. This fat is composed of fatty acids which are essential to proper growth and development. Cod liver oil is also believed to decrease the risk of coronary heart diseases and myocardial infarction.
High fat food therefore is healthy as long as you take in the good fat and not the bad ones.
Be aware that the Trans fats (from processed dairy products and fried foods) and saturated fats (meat fats) are the bad fats, so avoid them.
If you want to live longer and reap the benefits of being healthy, take in those good fat and live longer.
