Nutritive and Dietetic Value of Fats, Spreads and Oils

Nutritive Value (What's in it?)

• No Protein or Carbohydrates: Fats, spreads, and oils do not contain protein or carbs.
• Types of Fat:
  • Animal Fats are usually saturated (e.g., butter).
  • Marine and Plant Fats are generally unsaturated (e.g., olive oil, fish oil).
• Minerals: Most have minimal mineral content, though some contain trace amounts of calcium.
• Vitamins:
  • Butter and other dairy spreads contain small amounts of vitamins A and D.
  • Margarines and fortified spreads may have added vitamins A and D.
• Water Content:
  • Oils have very little water (about 0.1%).
  • Low-fat spreads have higher water content (up to 58%).

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Dietetic Value (Why They're Good for You)

• Limit Intake: Fat intake should be limited across all age groups due to its high-calorie content.
• Low-Cholesterol Diets:
  • Saturated Fats should be limited by those following low-cholesterol diets.
  • Functional Spreads (e.g., Flora ProActiv, Benecol) help reduce cholesterol by preventing its absorption into the bloodstream.
• Heart and Brain Health:
  • Marine Oils (like cod liver oil) support heart health and help brain development in babies during pregnancy.