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What Does Monounsaturated Fat Do for Your Body?

Made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, fats are essential for good nutrition and a healthy body. However, certain fats are healthier for your body than others. Monounsaturated fat is a chemical term for a fat molecule with a double hydrogen bond.

  1. Health Benefits

    • According to the American Heart Association, monounsaturated fats can lower the blood's cholesterol levels and therefore decrease your risk of stroke and heart disease. They also play an important role in strengthening blood cells, aiding weight loss and are a healthier alternative to unsaturated fats. They have also been shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women.

    Vitamin Content

    • Monounsaturated fats contain high levels of vitamin E, an important antioxidant for the body. They have also been shown to improve the body's absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K.

    Sources

    • Dietary sources of monounsaturated fats include vegetable oils like olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil and sunflower oil. Other options include avocados, peanut butter, nuts and seeds. For a healthy diet, the American Heart Association recommends that monounsaturated fats make up no more than 25-35 percent of your daily calorie intake.

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