Unsaturated Fats

Unsaturated fats are usually liquid at room temperature. They are found in most vegetable products and oils. An exception is a group of tropical oils like coconut or palm kernel oil which are highly saturated. Using foods containing "polyunsaturated" and "monounsaturated" fats does not increase our risk of heart disease. However, like all fats, unsaturated fats give us 9 calories for every gram. So eating too much of these types of fat may also make us gain weight.

We can reduce the fat and unsaturated fats in our diets by using less fat, oil, and margarine. We can also eat more low-fat foods like vegetables, fruits, breads, rice, pasta and cereals. Read and compare food labels to find foods that have less total fat.


To find more about fats, read the files "Fat" and "Saturated Fats" or send a message to "Ask the Nutritionist."

To test what you know, take the Quiz on Unsaturated Fats.


Go Home to NIBBLE Directory || Go Back to Nutrients in Foods