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Monounsaturated Fat

By Paige Waehner, About.com

Updated June 11, 2009

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Definition: Monounsaturated fat is a type of fatty acid that can lower blood cholesterol levels. It's often called the 'healthy' fat because, when eaten in moderation, it can help reduce bad cholesterol, lower your risk of heart disease and stroke and provide protection to the body's cells. The most common sources for monounsaturated fat include olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, sesame oil as well as avocados, peanut butter and a variety of nut and seeds.
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