Monounsaturated fat, mostly from olive oil, rape seed oil, nuts and seeds, is healthier than polysaturated fat, from animals.
To simplify the question of which type fat is healthier, calories can be removed from the discussion. Fat, all fat, is high in calorie count, and the count is pretty much the same, no matter which type fat is under question. Whether the fat is butter or olive oil, the calorie count, by weight, is the same, and accounts for the major portion of our energy food consumption.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are found in both monounsaturated and polysaturated fat. Their importance in brain and central nervous system development are not to be ignored, but, with a little attention, are easily available as the diet reduces the overall count of calories from fat.
As a nation of eaters, we seem to have arranged ourselves into three groups:
a. Those who ignore the risks of a diet high in animal fats (This is the majority)
b. Those who are gradually reducing their daily intake of total calories from fat
c. And a small group who believe that “Low fat” means “No fat”, and fail to provide enough fat for the fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
This group is described as women of child-bearing age who tend toward vegetarianism. There is a special caution to be heeded.
MONOUNSATURATED FATS
Monounsaturated fats are found mostly in olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts and seeds. There are other beneficial oils. Peanut oil is highly recommended as a general purpose oil because of its pleasing flavor.
The high rate of consumption of olive oil in Mediterranean countries is widely believed to contribute to the lower rate of heart disease in that part of the world.