As a rule, the softer the margarine product, the fewer trans fatty acids it contains. One of the major factors associated with high blood cholesterol is a diet relatively high in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Following a sensible eating plan that lowers total fat intake and limits foods higher in cholesterol and saturated fat can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Margarine products can easily be incorporated into such a healthy eating plan. Always be sure to check with your doctor or dietitian for advice about the dietary changes that are best for you.
Fats do play a vital role in a balanced diet.
Not only is fat an important energy-providing nutrient, some dietary fat is needed for the body to function properly. Fat assists the body in transporting and digesting fat soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K, but fat from vegetable oil sources also provide two essential fatty acids that the body requires. Health professionals do not recommend that individuals eliminate all fat from their diets. Rather, they state that a person's diet should contain no more than 30 percent of total calories from fat and less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fat. This is especially true for certain individuals who have high blood cholesterol levels.