NEWPORT NEWS, Va. Â? Dieters often fear fat, but it actually is
crucial to good health. The trick is to eat foods with the right
kinds of fat and avoid the others. Some tips from nutritionists:
1. Understand what "good" fats do. The body uses these
substances for many functions, including creating energy,
maintaining cells, transporting vitamins and creating hormone-
like compounds that help regulate blood pressure and heart rate.
Healthy fats also can help lower bad cholesterol levels. 2. Go
for monounsaturated fats Â? Good food sources include olive oil,
fish oil, avocados and olives Â? yes, fruits can contain healthy
fats Â? and most nuts. 3. Polyunsaturated fats Â? Soybeans,
whole-grain wheat and vegetable oils, including corn, saffron,
sunflower and soy, contain these fats. 4. Â? and omega-3 fatty
acids. These types of polyunsaturated fats appear to lower the
risk of coronary artery disease and may guard against irregular
heartbeats and high blood pressure. Go for salmon, herring,
flaxseeds, walnuts and l