Fat is needed to repair cells, make hormones and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Blood pressure, blood clotting and the immune system are affected by the fat we ingest. However, it is important to choose the right type of fat. The basic advice is to replace saturated fat with unsaturated fat, which has the greatest benefits for health and well-being.

In the gastrointestinal tract, the fat is broken down into simple fatty acids and absorbed into the bloodstream. The body can produce some fats itself, for example, carbohydrates are converted into fat in the liver. However, some fatty acids must be supplied through the diet. They are called essential fatty acids. For us humans, it is linolenic acid and linoleic acid that we need to supply to the body. These fatty acids are mainly found in vegetable oils such as rapeseed and sunflower.

Products containing unsaturated fat

• Fish
• Rapeseed oil
• Nuts

Increase your intake of unsaturated fat

• Fry the food in rapeseed oil and olive oil instead of butter
• Season the salad with a tasty vinaigrette instead of a creamy dressing
• Reduce the amount of meat in favor of fatty fish such as salmon and herring
• A handful of nuts provide the body with good fats