Is polyunsaturated fat better than monounsaturated fat

Both types of unsaturated fat-monounsaturated and polyunsaturated can offer important health benefits. We know from studies involving the Mediterranean diet where intake of olive oil is especially high that monounsaturates can be heart protective. (Olive oil has the highest level of monounsaturated fat of any commonly used oil.) With polyunsaturates, there is also evidence of decreased risk of chronic disease, but only when the diet is also relatively high quality and accompanied by healthy intake of antioxidant nutrients.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are generally found in plants and are touted as healthy fats, unlike trans fats, saturated fats and cholesterol. The Heart Foundation encourage people to switch to foods based on monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from those that contain saturated and trans fats, which are generally processed fats or come from animal-based fat sources such as butter or meat products. Food often contains a combination of different types of fats.
Monounsaturated fats are made up of a chain of carbon with one pair of carbon molecules joined by a double bond. The more double bonds there are, the more solid the fat will be. Monounsaturated fats are generally liquid at room temperature, but turn slightly solid when chilled.
Polyunsaturated fats have two or more double bonds between carbon atoms in the carbon chain backbone of the fat. They are more solid than monounsaturated fats but less so than saturated fats. This makes polyunsaturated fats also liquid at room temperature. Some polyunsaturated fats are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which the body cannot produce, and therefore these fats must be acquired through diet.

Table of Contents Show

Dietary fat: Know which to choose
The facts about fat
Saturated fat
Unsaturated fat
How can I start eating healthier?
Don't go to extremes
From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
Is monounsaturated fat healthier than saturated fat?
Is polyunsaturated fat good for You?
What is the difference between unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats?
What is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats?
Which is better monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Is polyunsaturated fat the healthiest?
What is the difference between monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat?
Why is polyunsaturated fat better?

Monounsaturated fats are found in olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. Polyunsaturated fats are found in many vegetable oils, including safflower, corn, sunflower, soy and cottonseed oils, as well as in nuts and seeds. The omega-3 fatty acids can be found in flaxseeds, walnuts and some fatty fish, such as salmon and herring.
Both monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats have distinct health benefits. There is evidence that both types of fats reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood when included in a diet low in saturated and trans fats. This helps lower risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Monounsaturated fats have the added benefit of being high in Vitamin E and in helping to maintain or develop cells in the body. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are also vital to brain development and the body's growth. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help lower blood pressure and stave off irregular heartbeats.
While they have shown health benefits, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are still fats and should not be consumed overabundance. Like all fats, they have 9 calories per gram. No evidence has shown one to be better over the other for health. Fats overall, including these two types, should make up less than 25 percent to 35 percent total daily calorie intake,

Dietary fat: Know which to choose

Fat is an important part of your diet, but some kinds are healthier than others. Find out which to choose and which to avoid.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Dietary fat is essential to your health. It gives you energy and helps your body absorb vitamins.

But some types of fat may play a role in heart disease and stroke. In addition, fat is high in calories. Eating too many calories can lead to weight gain and possibly obesity.

Find out which type of fat to choose — and which to avoid — for good health.

The facts about fat

Most foods contain a mix of different kinds of fat. For example, canola oil contains some saturated fat but is mostly monounsaturated fat. In contrast, butter contains some unsaturated fat but is mostly saturated fat.

What's the difference between saturated and unsaturated fat?

Saturated fat. This is solid at room temperature. It's found in butter, lard, full-fat milk and yogurt, full-fat cheese, and high-fat meat.
Unsaturated fat. This tends to be liquid at room temperature. It's found in vegetable oils, fish and nuts.

Saturated fat

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of calories a day. The American Heart Association recommends staying under 7% of daily calories.

Why? Because saturated fat tends to raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood. High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Saturated fat occurs naturally in red meat and dairy products. It's also found in baked goods and fried foods.

Trans fat occurs naturally in small amounts in red meat and dairy products. Trans fat can also be manufactured by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil.

This artificial form of trans fat is known as partially hydrogenated oil. It has unhealthy effects on cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. For this reason, partially hydrogenated oil can no longer be added to foods in the U.S.

Unsaturated fat

Studies show that eating foods rich in unsaturated fat instead of saturated fat improves blood cholesterol levels, which can decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke.

One type in particular — omega-3 fatty acid — appears to boost heart health by improving cholesterol levels, reducing blood clotting, reducing irregular heartbeats and slightly lowering blood pressure.

There are two main types of unsaturated fat:

Monounsaturated fat. This is found in olive, canola, peanut, sunflower and safflower oils, and in avocados, peanut butter and most nuts. It's also are part of most animal fats such as fats from chicken, pork and beef.
Polyunsaturated fat. This is found in sunflower, corn, soybean and cottonseed oils. It's also found in walnuts, pine nuts, flaxseed, and sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Omega-3s fall into this category and are found in fatty fish, such as salmon, herring and sardines.

How can I start eating healthier?

Focus on replacing foods high in saturated fat with foods rich in unsaturated fat.

Try these tips to reduce unhealthy fat in your diet:

Use oil instead of butter. For example, saute with olive oil instead of butter, and use canola oil when baking.
Eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, instead of meat at least twice a week.
Choose lean meat and skinless poultry. Trim visible fat from meat. Remove fat and skin from poultry.
Limit processed foods, which often contain saturated fat. Instead reach for whole fruits and vegetables when you're hungry.

Don't go to extremes

You don't have to cut fat from your diet. But be smart about the amount and type of fat you choose. Remember fat is high in calories. Choose foods rich in healthier unsaturated fat instead of foods high in saturated fat, not in addition to them.

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April 08, 2021

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