How Much of Each Kind of Fat Should I Eat Everyday?

Determining the right amount of fats to eat daily is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Fats are not just an essential source of energy; they also play a pivotal role in supporting cell growth, protecting organs, and aiding in the absorption of vital nutrients.

However, the key to harnessing the benefits of fats lies in understanding the balance between different types of fat: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated, and trans, yes, even fat is trans, LOL. By incorporating a healthy mix of these fats into your diet, you can enhance heart health, boost brain function, and keep your body functioning smoothly.

So, how much fat should you really be eating each day? Here’s a summary and the calculations to help you make informed and nutritious choices for a healthier lifestyle.


UP FRONT SUMMARY:

These guidelines outline the amount of allowable fat for each category per day. Low amount is for women and the higher amount for men based on level of activity.

  • Monounsaturated Fats: 20 – 32g
    • Found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
    • Benefits include improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
  • Polyunsaturated Fats: 10-16g
    • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
    • Sources are fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
    • Essential for brain function, cell growth, and reducing inflammation.
  • Saturated Fats:15 to 24g
    • Found in animal products and certain oils like coconut oil.
    • Should be limited to prevent cardiovascular issues.
    • Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs): 5-12g
    • Found in coconut oil and MCT oil supplements.
      Provide quick energy and support metabolism.
  • Trans Fats: Less than 1g
    • Found in some processed and fried foods.
    • Aim to avoid as much as possible due to their negative impact on heart health.

By focusing on a mix of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, while limiting saturated and avoiding trans fats, you can ensure a healthier fat intake that supports overall well-being. Incorporating MCTs can provide additional benefits, especially for energy and metabolism.

This distribution ensures a healthy balance of different fat types, emphasizing the benefits of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats while limiting saturated fats and avoiding trans fats altogether.


Calculations for: Healthy Daily Dose of Fats

Suggested DAILY ratio of DIFFERENT FATS
  • Monounsaturated Fats: 40% of fat grams – avocado, nuts, olive oil
  • Polyunsaturated Fats: 20% of fat grams – SMASH fish, seeds, nuts
  • Saturated Fats: 30% of fat grams – Animal products, coconut oil,
    • MCTs: 10-15% of fat grams (part of the saturated fats category)
  • Trans Fats: 0-1% – Fried & processed foods like cookies, cakes & crackers.
Average Daily recommended Fat Intake in grams
  • Women: 50-70 grams per day
  • Men: 60-80 grams per day
FAT INTAKE DISTRIBUTION FOR Women (50-70g/day)
  • Monounsaturated Fats: 40% or 20 – 28g
  • Polyunsaturated Fats: 20% or 10 – 14g
  • Saturated Fats: 30% or 15 – 21g (with MCTs contributing 5-10g)
    • MCTs: 10% or 5 – 10g
  • Trans Fats: 0 -1% or 0 – 0.7g
Fat intake distribution for Men (60-80g/day)
  • Monounsaturated Fats: 40% or 24 – 32g
  • Polyunsaturated Fats: 20% or 12 – 16g
  • Saturated Fats: 30% or 18 – 24g (with MCTs contributing 6 -12g)
    • MCTs: 10 -15% or 6 – 12g
  • Trans Fats: 0 – 1% or 0 – 0.8g

This distribution ensures a healthy balance of fats, promoting heart health, reducing inflammation, and providing necessary energy while avoiding unhealthy trans fats.

*AI math


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