Few things, even in the world of dieting, are ever black and white. The primary goal of most dieters is simply to burn fat. Thus, it's only logical that people tend to try to avoid fats or cut down on them whenever possible. In actuality, not all fats are bad for you. On the contrary, they are a necessary energy source for our bodies, and depriving our bodies of them can be unhealthy. One of the keys to a successful weight loss diet is to understand the different types and how they interact with our bodies.
There are essentially two broad categories of fats, simply put, the good ones and the bad ones. The good include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Both of these types have been shown to lower overall cholesterol levels and the "bad" LDL cholesterol. In addition, monounsaturated fats can actually aid in weight loss. This type is commonly found in various nuts, as well as olive and canola oils, while polyunsaturated is found in fish, corn, and soy or sunflower oils.
The bad ones that are sure to destroy any weight loss diet are saturated and trans fats. Both are shown to increase cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol. These are found in most animal byproducts - various meats, dairy products, eggs and so on. They are also found in certain plant oils, such as coconut oil or palm oil. You can cut down on it by drinking 1% or skim milk, buying lean meats, and so on. Trans fat is largely a result of processed foods, and it is by far the worst type. This type of fat should be avoided at all costs.
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