Unsaturated Fat

A type of fatty acid that is in a liquid form at room temperature and is primarily taken from plants. This type of fat is generally referred to as an oil and is made up of two different types, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Monounsaturated fat is considered to be very healthy because it helps to reduce the level of LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and raise the level of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Polyunsaturated fat is also healthy, but although it helps to reduce the level of LDL cholesterol, it also reduces the level of HDL cholesterol. Foods high in unsaturated fats include most vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains, and many types of fish.