4 Types of Dietary Fat (and Which Ones You Should Be Eating)

In this video, learn the role of fat in the diet and which types of dietary fats are recommended for optimal health.

Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Updated on October 31, 2023

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The body needs dietary fats — which is why it’s one of the three necessary macronutrients (along with carbs and proteins). Dietary fats help provide energy to the body, support cell growth, improve nutrient absorption, and help produce certain hormones, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

There are actually four main types of dietary fats, and their healthfulness exists on a spectrum. While some fats are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, other types of dietary fat may actually help decrease that risk.

References

American Heart Association. (2021). Dietary fats.

American Heart Association. Monounsaturated fat.

View All References (4)

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American Heart Association. (2023). Polyunsaturated fat.

American Heart Association. (2021). Saturated fat.

American Heart Association. (2017). Trans fats.

Gordon, B. (2021). Choose healthy fats. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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