Which fats are considered healthy unsaturated fats?

• A. Saturated fats like butter
• B. Trans fats
• C. Unsaturated fats like olive oil
• D. Hydrogenated fats

Answer: (C)

Healthy unsaturated fats are fats with one or more double bonds in their fatty acid chains. Those double bonds create kinks that keep molecules from packing tightly, so they’re typically liquid at room temperature and tend to support heart health. Olive oil is a classic example, rich in monounsaturated fats like oleic acid, which can help lower bad cholesterol and protect the heart. In contrast, saturated fats—like butter—are usually solid at room temperature and can raise LDL cholesterol. Trans fats, produced by hydrogenation, are particularly harmful because they raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol. Hydrogenated fats are a source of trans fats and are considered unhealthy. So, choosing foods like olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish helps you get the beneficial unsaturated fats your body needs.