Saturated fat (the less-good-for-you kind) bumps Points values up because while fat is an essential part of a healthy diet, not all fats are created equal. Simply put, healthier choices are lower in saturated fat. Saturated fats tend to be found in red meats, dairy products like cheese, and a few oils such as coconut and palm. (Hint: saturated fats are often solid at room temperature). They don’t offer much nutritional benefit and research shows that diets higher in saturated fat are linked with higher risk of heart disease, and stroke. The Points system works because it helps you consider how to fit foods that are high in saturated fat into your overall eating pattern, without making you kiss the foods you love goodbye. Unsaturated fats are the better-for-you fats found in plants (like avocado), seafood, seeds, nuts, and oils (like olive and rapeseed). They are essential nutrients, help in the absorption of vitamins, and provide many health benefits including helping to form the building blocks of our brain and nerves, and supporting heart health. Nutritional guidelines recommend that the majority of fats should come from healthier sources, and that you consume a variety of different types of unsaturated fat. The Points system recognises and rewards foods that contain unsaturated fats, making the healthy choice the easier choice!