Fats

Fats not only provide a source of concentrated energy but also contain the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and they are used to transport these vital nutrients around the body. There are two main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Excessive amounts of fat, the so-called 'bad' fats are found in saturated animal fats and trans-fatty acids which can increase the risk of many chronic diseases, in particular cardiovascular disease and many cancers. Unsaturated or 'good' fats are generally liquid at room temperature and come from vegetable sources but are also found in oily fish and in soft margarines labeled 'high in polyunsaturates'.