Our body needs fat in our diet to function, and healthy fats are the best of the bunch. “Fats supply a source of essential fatty acids, which the body cannot make itself,” explains Reema Pillai, a registered dietitian based in London. “Healthy fats help with the absorption of nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E and K, and can help to support blood cholesterol levels.”

It’s worth noting that different types of healthy fats perform different functions. Monounsaturated fats – like those found in olive and sunflower oils, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and avocados – can help to boost healthy HDL cholesterol levels, while both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – like those found in salmon, mackerel, anchovies, flaxseeds and walnuts – can help to lower bad LDL cholesterol levels.

Can you have too many healthy fats? Nutritionists explain all