The table below tells us the percentage of the fat constituents contained in a variety of oils.   Notable is, that FlorAlp NuSun oil has the lowest percentage of saturated fats in this group. 

Note: The percentages given for the FlorAlp Farms' Sunflower Oil is the actual test results required to be listed on the product labels by the Canadian Regulatory Agencies. The other percentages are typical analyses quoted in  literature. Seasonal variations of oil composition occur naturally within plant species.   

About the Fats in the Table

Saturated fat (Yellow in the above table) is solid at room temperature. An example is butterfat or beef tallow. Saturated fats can raise levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream and thereby increase an individual's risk for heart disease. The scientific literature suggests that reducing total fat intake is of little benefit from a cardiovascular risk perspective without a reduction in saturated fat. 

Unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and do not increase levels of cholesterol or triglycerides, and some may even help to reduce these levels. Monounsaturated fat      (Green in the above table) is especially known for its ability to significantly lower the risk of heart disease by raising levels of "good" cholesterol and lowering levels of "bad cholesterol". Some polyunsaturated fats (Orange in the above table) are called essential fatty acids because your body needs them for growth and development and to maintain health. A healthy, balanced dietary intake includes polyunsaturated fats.

An other factor to consider is that oils are often hydrogenated for extending shelf life, or preventing the oil from separating in foods, such as in peanut butter. The hydrogenation process of polyunsaturated oil produces trans fatty acids which raise the (LDL) bad cholesterol and tend to lower (HDL) good cholesterol.

To ensure freshness, our FlorAlp Oils are cold pressed at our facilities in quantities that can be sold within the oil's storage life. Light also has a negative effect on oil that is not hydrogenated, therefore we use dark colored glass bottles, and on our label we give a "best before" date. However, the oil from the new NuSun™ variety has naturally good keeping qualities without the need to hydrogenate. 

Unsaturated fats are an important nutrient, performing a vital and valuable role in the body. Such as:

	Fats are a part of cell membranes in all cells.
	They regulate the use and production of cholesterol and transport it throughout the body.
	Fats absorb and carry the vitamins A, D, E and K.
	Fats are required to protect our skin and repel water.
	Fats make up part of the material that insulates nerves and increases the efficiency of nerve conduction.
	Fats make up an integral part of certain hormones that regulate blood pressure, clotting and inflammation.
	Fats are stored in the body as triglycerides that are found as fat tissue that cushions the organs, insulates the body and stores potential energy.

Fat is the body's most efficient source of energy. When its presence is balanced with the body's need for energy, fat is the perfect first-choice for supplying the nutrients it needs. Fat "burns off" without taking energy away from muscle development or other important functions. However, eating much more fat than one needs for energy can lead to weight gain and obesity and can also  contribute to coronary artery disease. The American Heart Association suggests that total daily fat intake should be less than 30 percent of total calories.

	About NuSun™, our special variety of sunflower and the natural oil fabricator of our product. Also:
	National Sunflower Association  and click on the link "oils and fats."
	www.canadian-health-network.ca
	Heart Center on Line