What are monounsaturated fats?

Monounsaturated fats are considered a type of healthy fat primarily found in certain oils, nuts, and seeds. They are known for their ability to provide health benefits, particularly for heart health. Research indicates that replacing saturated fats with monounsaturated fats can help lower bad cholesterol levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Sources of monounsaturated fats include olive oil, canola oil, avocados, and various nuts such as almonds and cashews. These fats are beneficial because they can help improve blood lipid profiles and may also support insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health.

The other options do not accurately describe monounsaturated fats. For instance, they are not a category of saturated fatty acids, which are a different type of fat known for being solid at room temperature. They are also not found exclusively in animal products, as many healthy plant-based sources provide monounsaturated fats. Finally, these fats are not linked to increased cholesterol levels; rather, they can assist in managing cholesterol when consumed as part of a balanced diet.