Tag: Fat profile

Across the board, virtually all common cooking oils, from olive to canola, contain approximately 120 calories per tablespoon, with only minor deviations. The reason for this consistency is that all oils are pure fat, providing 9 calories per gram—more than double the calories in protein or carbohydrates. This makes the question of what type of oil has the least amount of calories a bit misleading.

Peanut seeds contain approximately 44–56% oil on a dry weight basis, a fact that classifies them as a significant oilseed crop globally. This substantial percentage of fat is a key reason peanuts are processed for oil, peanut butter, and countless other applications.

Did you know that Crisco, a leading brand of vegetable shortening, was introduced over a century ago as an alternative to animal fats? While it originates from liquid, unsaturated vegetable oils, a manufacturing process called hydrogenation makes vegetable shortening a primarily saturated fat.

Research from the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association confirms that pasture-raised chicken has a more nutrient-dense profile compared to conventionally-raised poultry. This raises a key question for health-conscious consumers: is pasture-raised chicken better for you?

While often demonized for its fat content, approximately 50% of the fat in bacon is actually monounsaturated, with a large portion being oleic acid, the same heart-healthy fatty acid found in olive oil. So, is bacon high in polyunsaturated fat, or is the nutritional picture more complex?

Despite its luxurious reputation and visibly high marbling, some cuts of Wagyu beef can contain fewer calories per serving than comparable portions of conventional beef like Angus, thanks to its unique, healthier fat composition. This surprising fact challenges the common perception that all fatty meats are high in calories and unhealthy, prompting a deeper dive into the nutritional makeup of this prized delicacy.

A cornerstone of the Paleo diet is consuming healthy, minimally processed fats, mirroring ancestral eating habits. Many people ask, 'Is olive oil Paleo?' and the answer depends heavily on the oil's quality and processing methods, with extra virgin olive oil being the preferred choice for this dietary approach.