Australian Dietary Guidelines - Summary - National Health and ...

Australian Dietary Guidelines SummaryFats can be classified as saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, dependingon their chemical structure. Trans fats act like saturated fats in the body. Trans fats canbe found naturally in the fat from meat and milk from certain animals and hydrogenatedvegetable oils used to make some processed foods. The amount of trans fats in processedfoods is declining in Australia and our overall intake is low. However, it is important to ensurethat intake remains at its current low level.Saturated fats increase our risk of heart disease. It is important to replace foods containingsaturated fats with foods that contain unsaturated fats, that is, either monounsaturated orpolyunsaturated fats.All Australians should include some foods that contain unsaturated fats in their usual dietarypatterns. The amount depends on our individual energy needs.Low-fat diets are not suitable for infants due to their relatively high energy requirements.For older children, adolescents and adults, dietary patterns low in saturated fat arerecommended. See page 31 for tips.For more information go to:www.eatforhealth.gov.auWhat foods contain saturated fats?Saturated fats are found in:• butter and cream• lard and dripping• coconut and palm kernel oils• biscuits• cakes• pastries and pies• processed meats• commercial burgers• pizzas and fried foods• potato chips and crisps• sausages• untrimmed meats• full cream dairy products,especially cheeseLIMIT INTAKE OF FOODS CONTAINING SATURATED FATS, ADDED SALT, ADDED SUGARS AND ALCOHOL29