Fat is needed in your daily eating pattern to perform essential body functions, but certain types of fats are healthier than others. The major types of fats in food are polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, saturated and trans fats. The average adult needs 70grams of total fat per day, with 24grams of this being saturated fat. Healthier fats are the unsaturated polyunsaturated and monounsaturated types, which have a positive impact on maintaining health in the body. Polyunsaturated fats are found in high amounts in sunflower and soybean oils, nuts, seeds and oily fish, whereas monounsaturated fats are found in high amounts in olive, canola and peanut oils and avocados. It is recommended to have a combination of both in your daily eating plan for maximum health benefits. Omega-3 is a special type of polyunsaturated fat that is found in fish, seafood, eggs and meat, canola oil, soybean oil and linseeds. Eat these foods regularly to help meet your daily omega-3 needs. Unhealthy fats are saturated and trans fats, both which affect cholesterol levels in the blood. Saturated fats are found in animal fats, butter, cream, visible fat on meats and chicken skin, fatty processed meats, pastries, many snack and takeaway foods and full cream dairy products. Trans fat is found naturally in small amounts in meat and dairy products, but is mainly produced as a by-product of some oil and margarine processing. All Healthy Choice meals are 97% fat free. For the lowest fat and saturated fat choices in the Healthy Choice range, try:
• Apricot Chicken – provides 4% of your Daily Intake (%DI) for fat and 5% of your Daily Intake for saturated fat
• Satay Chicken – 7% DI for fat and 6% DI for saturated fat
• Lamb Fillet – 7% DI for fat and 6% DI for saturated fat
• Oyster Beef – 8% DI for fat and 6% DI for saturated fat
• Honey Sesame Chicken – 9% DI for fat and 5% DI for saturated fat.
All of these McCain meals carry the Heart Foundation Tick, they have been independently tested and meet their strict guidelines for saturated and trans fat. For more information on the National Heart Foundation’s Tick Program, click here
