Dietary fats
Fats are important for good health and proper functioning of the body. They are an important source of energy, they enhance the absorption of fat soluble vitamins, and build all our cell membranes. Our brains are mainly made of fats.
A balanced intake of fats is important, as too little or too much, or the wrong type of fat, may negatively affect our health. Adults should get a recommended 20-35% of their energy intake from fat. Less than 10% should come from saturated fat, and trans-fats should be avoided.
The importance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
27 March 2019The beneficial effects of consuming omega-3 fatty acids are well publicised, but omega-6 fatty acids feature far less in the news. So what are fatty acids and why is it important that we get the balance right?
Facts about Fats
22 September 2015Fats are important for good health and proper functioning of the body. They are a source of energy, essential fats and enhance the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. However, too much fat and/or the wrong type of fat may negatively affect our health.
Highlights from the 11th Biennial congress of the international society for the study of fatty acids and lipids (ISSFAL) 2014
16 March 2015In June 2014, the 11th ISSFAL Biennial Congress took place in Stockholm, Sweden. This meeting provided a unique occasion for the exchange of scientific...
Saturated fat may not be associated with a greater health risk whilst trans fat could have a role
09 March 2015A team of researchers from Canada conducted a large study on the health effects of both saturated and trans fatty acid consumption. They combined data from 70 previously conducted...
The Functions of Fats in the Body
13 February 2015This review is dedicated to the current advances in nutrition science on the relation between dietary fat consumption and health outcomes, including obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Omega-6 fatty acids associated with lower risks of heart disease and death
10 February 2015Two international groups of researchers have independently studied the effects of omega-6 fatty acids on the risks of death and coronary heart disease...
Olive oil: How is it produced? (Infographic)
12 October 2014From pressing to refining, see how olive oil is produced through all the various stages.
Functions, Classification And Characteristics Of Fats
25 March 2014What are dietary fats? Read about the classification of fats, their different characteristics, and functions in both, the body and food technology.
How to choose your culinary oil
12 February 2014There is an increasing variety of vegetable oils for cooking and food preparation. How do you decide which one to use? Considerations include taste, functional properties of the oil, cost, and the health impact...
Trans fats and cardiovascular health: What is the current situation?
08 June 2013Dutch researchers from the department of Health Sciences and the EMGO Institute for Health Care Research of VU University, in Amsterdam, and the Division of Human Nutrition of Wageningen...
Algal oil as a possible source of omega-3 fatty acid DHA to improve blood lipids in people without heart disease
30 October 2012Compared to fish oil, algal oil maybe an equally effective yet more sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Eating any food sources of omega-3 fats may be beneficial for health
07 December 2011Eating plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids may be as beneficial for health as eating fish sources of omega-3 fatty acids, suggests a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition...
Omega-3 fatty acids: where to find them?
03 July 2003Although no single food alone can make a person healthy, eating more fish is one way that most of us can help improve our diets—and our health. Many of the studies about beneficial omega-3 fatty acids focus on fish as the primary source. Salmon, sardines, tuna and even shellfish are rich in omega-3 fatty acid content, but increasing your consumption of all types of fish and seafood is recommended.