The Functions of Fat

The facts about health-threatening fats are getting a lot of public attention these
days and Americans are taking notice. However, overall knowledge among
consumers, especially regarding sources of saturated and trans fats in foods,
still remains relatively low.¹

Furthermore, studies show that college students who consume high-fat foods and
snacks do not perceive this behavior as a personal health risk, even though they
are aware of the association of high-fat diets and cardiovascular disease.²

So how do you help educate your students on the benefits of "good" fats versus
the health risks of "bad" fats? Here are a few ways to get the word out about
making healthy food choices and lifestyle decisions.

On the web: quick facts on fats

Post these easy-to-understand fat facts on your dining services website:

• Some fats are good for you. Here’s why: Fat is a source of energy for
  the body; it gives foods flavor, helps us to feel satisfied after we eat,
  insulates our body and protects our organs.³
• Where does fat come from? Fat appears in our diets as saturated fats,
  trans fatty acids, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.⁴
• What are the risks of saturated fats? Saturated fats are the major
  dietary factors in high cholesterol. Cholesterol is only found in animal food
  products (meat, poultry, dairy products and eggs).⁵
• What are benefits of unsaturated fats? Unsaturated fats may help your
  cholesterol. Products like olive oil, canola oil and pecans contain
  monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats, which include omega-3 fatty
  acids, are found in walnuts, salmon and tuna.⁴
• What are trans fats? Trans fatty acids raise your LDL and are found in foods
  made with partially hydrogenated oils.

On signage: being savvy about saturated fats

Communicate the risks of saturated fats while highlighting the health benefits of
your vegetarian menu. Use signage to let students know that veggie foods are low
in saturated fat and cholesterol.

• Diets high in saturated fats often raise LDL (low density lipoprotein) or bad
  cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease.⁴
• Let students know that tasty veggie foods, like Morningstar Farms^® and
  Gardenburger^®, are a great way to cut saturated fat.

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