Polyunsaturated Fats and Monounsaturated Fats
Most of the fat that you eat should come from unsaturated sources: polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. In general, nuts, vegetable oils, and fish are sources of unsaturated fats. The table below provides examples of specific types of unsaturated fats.
Monounsaturated Fat Sources | Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fat Sources | Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fat Sources |
---|---|---|
Nuts Vegetable oils Canola oil Olive oil High oleic safflower oil Sunflower oil Avocado |
Soybean oil Corn oil Safflower oil |
Soybean oil Canola oil Walnuts Flaxseed Fish: trout, herring, and salmon |
Polyunsaturated fats can also be broken down into two types:
- Omega-6 polyunsaturated fats — these fats provide an essential fatty acid that our bodies need, but can't make.
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats — these fats also provide an essential fatty acid that our bodies need. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly from fish sources, may have potential health benefits.
How do I control my polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat intake?
In general, nuts, vegetable oils, and fish are sources of unsaturated fats. The table below provides examples of specific types of unsaturated fats.
Monounsaturated Fat Sources | Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fat Sources | Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fat Sources |
---|---|---|
Nuts Vegetable oils Canola oil Olive oil High oleic safflower oil Sunflower oil Avocado |
Soybean oil Corn oil Safflower oil |
Soybean oil Canola oil Walnuts Flaxseed Fish: trout, herring, and salmon |
Below are tips for including appropriate amounts of unsaturated fats in your diet:
- Replace solid fats used in cooking with liquid oils. Visit MyPyramid.gov "What's My Allowance?" to learn more about your daily recommendations.
- Remember any type of fat is high in calories. To avoid additional calories, substitute polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats for saturated fats and trans fats rather than adding these fats to your diet.
- Have an ounce of dry-roasted nuts as a snack. Nuts and seeds count as part of your meat and beans allowance on the MyPyramid plan.
More Information on Fats
- Page last reviewed: December 3, 2008
- Page last updated: December 3, 2008
- Content source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Contact Us:
-
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity
4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS/K-24
Atlanta GA 30341-3717 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day - cdcinfo@cdc.gov