Why do we need saturated fat in your diet?

Why do we need saturated fat in your diet?

Your body needs healthy fats for energy and other functions. But too much saturated fat can cause cholesterol to build up in your arteries (blood vessels). Saturated fats raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.

What is the main source of saturated fats?

Saturated fat – primary sources include: Red meat (beef, lamb, pork) Chicken skin. Whole-fat dairy products (milk, cream, cheese)

Is it OK to eat saturated fat?

A diet rich in saturated fats can drive up total cholesterol, and tip the balance toward more harmful LDL cholesterol, which prompts blockages to form in arteries in the heart and elsewhere in the body. For that reason, most nutrition experts recommend limiting saturated fat to under 10% of calories a day.

Does dark chocolate have a lot of saturated fat?

It also contains a moderate amount of saturated fat, which can negatively affect blood lipid levels, though its heart-protective effects from flavanols appear to outweigh the risk. Choosing dark chocolate and eating modest quantities may offer the greatest health benefits.

Is 85% dark chocolate healthy?

Nutritional information Share on Pinterest Dark chocolate with 70–85 percent cocoa is a good source of magnesium, zinc, and iron. According to the United States Department of Agriculture , a 101-g bar of dark chocolate with 70–85 percent cocoa solids provides: 604 calories. 7.87 g of protein.

Why does dark chocolate have high saturated fat?

The fat in chocolate comes from cocoa butter and is made up of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat. Watch out for those extra ingredients that can add lots of extra fat and calories.

Is it OK to eat dark chocolate at night?

Due to the fact that cocoa powder contains high levels of both theobromine and caffeine, it can cause some unsavory effects when eaten before bed, including insomnia and sleep disturbances. This means that dark chocolate is a bad choice before bed due to its higher concentration of cocoa powder.

What percentage of dark chocolate is healthy?

70%

Is 100 percent dark chocolate healthy?

Very Nutritious. If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious. It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals. Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily.

What is the healthiest chocolate?

10 of the Healthiest Chocolate Brands on the Market

• Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars. amazon. amazon.com.
• Hu Vegan Chocolate Bars. amazon.
• Lake Champlain Chocolates. Amazon.
• Lindt Excellence. amazon.
• Lily’s Chocolate. Amazon.
• Bixby & Co. Dark Chocolate Bars.
• Ghirardelli Bars. amazon.
• Vosges Haut-Chocolat. amazon.

What can I eat instead of chocolate?

18 Healthy Foods to Eat When Cravings Strike

• Fresh Fruit. Fruit is naturally very sweet and a great choice when you get a sugar craving.
• Greek Yogurt. Greek yogurt tastes creamy and indulgent, but it’s also really healthy.
• A Hot Drink.
• Snack Bar.
• Dark Chocolate.
• Fruit and Nut Butter.
• Cottage Cheese.
• Banana Ice Cream.