The Facts On Fats

Key Messages

Many consumers are concerned about the potential negative effects of fats on weight status or cardiovascular disease risk. Despite the name, fats are no more likely to cause or to lead to weight gain than any other macronutrient. In fact, fat can contribute to satiety, the feeling of fullness and satisfaction after eating. Plus, unsaturated fats are associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fat is an essential nutrient, providing energy to our body and helping cells communicate with each other. Fat enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K and contributes to the richness and flavor of food. Have you ever enjoyed the flakiness of a biscuit or the creaminess of ice cream? You can thank fat for that!

Choosing healthful sources of fat starts with prioritizing unsaturated fats, found in foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, vegetable oils, and fish, which support heart health. It is equally important to minimize saturated fats and avoid trans fats as these can negatively impact cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health. Reading the Nutrition Facts Label can help you identify dietary fat sources and amounts.