The Best Healthy Fats For PCOS (Food List)


The topic of dietary fats and their impact on overall health, body weight and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can be quite confusing as there is so much information out there. Which type of fat is considered healthy and which might cause more harm than good? What are the best food sources of healthy fats and how to include them in your diet?

That’s what you’ll find out in this article explaining all you need to know about dietary fats and PCOS as well as how to choose, store and use them to get the most benefits. You can find more nutrition tips on how to manage PCOS through dietary changes in my complete guide ‘The Best PCOS Diet (Ultimate Guide)’.

What are dietary fats?

Dietary fats are one of the three main macronutrients (next to protein and carbs) that make up our diet and that we eat in larger quantities. Different types of lipids (phospholipids, sterols, triglycerides) are essential for different body functions including structure, hormone regulation, organ protection, nerve signaling, vitamin absorption and energy storage.

Why are dietary fats important for PCOS?

Since lipids play so many crucial roles in the body, obtaining sufficient amounts from our diet is essential for achieving optimal health. For women with PCOS, the intake of healthy fats may be even more important as it’s closely linked to hormonal health and female fertility

Additionally, dietary fats may help reduce cravings and improve insulin resistance as they don’t elevate blood sugar levels and are generally very filling. You can find out more about the role of insulin resistance in PCOS  my previous article ‘PCOS Insulin Resistance Explained & How To Reverse It’.

However, as you might have guessed, not all dietary fats are created equal and there are several important things to consider when choosing the best healthy fats for PCOS.

Things to consider:

  • Source
  • Type of fat
  • Omega-3 to omega-6 ratio
  • Macronutrient content
  • Micronutrient content
  • Quality
  • Quantity

• Source

Dietary fats can be obtained from both animal and plant sources. In general, it is recommended to include a combination of both as diversity in diet is likely to get you the most health benefits. However, based on your dietary approach, you can obtain healthy fats from sources that will fit your individual needs and preferences

While dairy can also be a good source of dietary fat for most people, you may want to limit its consumption if you suffer from PCOS due to its potential hormone-disrupting properties (especially if you suffer from hormonal acne). You can learn more about it in my previous article here ‘Does Dairy Affect PCOS & How? All You Need To Know‘.

• Type of fat

When it comes to differentiating dietary fats based on their chemical structure and physical properties, there are two main categories they can be classified as including saturated and unsaturated (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated) fatty acids.

Most foods contain a combination of these types of fatty acids but there is typically one type of fat that is dominant. At room temperature, saturated fats are usually solid (butter, coconut oil, palm oil, ghee) while unsaturated fats are in their liquid form (olive oil, sunflower oil, canola oil).

Even though saturated fats have gained quite a bad rep in the past (being associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease) and unsaturated fats were believed to be ‘healthier’, there is an increasing amount of evidence that this may not be completely true

For this reason, it is best to include a combination of all types of fatty acids in your diet to ensure you get the most benefits. That being said, be aware that trans fats (artificially manufactured fats) are now considered harmful to health and are becoming strictly regulated.

Trans fats are typically found in ultra-processed foods as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. The consumption of such fats should therefore be minimized.

• Omega-3 to omega-6 ratio

Both omega-3 and omega-6 are types of essential fatty acids (polyunsaturated) that we need to obtain in sufficient amounts from our diet (our body cannot make them itself). One of the main roles in the body of these fats is managing inflammation.

Omega-6 fatty acids are considered pro-inflammatory while omega-3s are associated with anti-inflammatory properties (both are crucial to health). To control the level of inflammation in the body, it is important to maintain a healthy balance of these essential fatty acids in an optimal ratio of 1:1 to 4:1 (omega-3 to omega-6).

Unfortunately, most foods in the modern diet are particularly rich in omega-6 (most cooking oils) and low in omega-3 which makes the current ratio being estimated as high as 20:1. As a result, omega-6-rich diets may contribute to chronic inflammation and inflammatory diseases (including PCOS).

For this reason, it’s particularly important for women with PCOS to focus on balancing this ratio and generally increase their consumption of omega-3-rich foods

Read more: ‘Omega-3 Fish Oil For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips

• Macronutrient content

Another important factor to consider when choosing your source of healthy fats is the macronutrient profile. Since most foods contain a mix of all 3 macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) you’re likely to find dietary fats in the vast majority of foods

However, the amounts of fat in different food sources differ drastically. For example, some foods (cooking oils) are basically pure fat while other food sources (fish, meat) are also high in protein or carbohydrates (nuts, seeds). 

Read more: ‘The Best Carbs Fir PCOS (Food List)

• Micronutrient content

The amounts of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants) will also vary drastically between different fat sources as they all come with different nutritional values. While you can prioritize certain foods to meet your individual nutrient needs, it is best to include a wide range of healthy fat sources in your diet to gain the most benefits.

• Quality

The quality of your fat sources also plays a major role as not all ‘high-fat foods’ are created equal. Make sure that your dietary fats are predominantly coming from whole or minimally processed foods (nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, fish) rather than ultra-processed food products (refined oils, margarine, ice cream, fried foods) to ensure its beneficial effects on health.

If you want to minimize your exposure to pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics and artificial hormones, opt for food sources that are organic, wild-caught, grass-fed or pasture-raised (especially when it comes to animal-based products).

• Quantity

Despite the fact that dietary fats can be extremely beneficial for managing PCOS and overall health, you should keep in mind that this macronutrient is the most energy-dense (containing 9kcal/g) and therefore can lead to weight gain when consumed in excess.

There are no official recommendations for the overall intake of dietary fats for PCOS but most women with this condition appear to benefit from consuming a diet that’s about 30-40% fat. In terms of grams, this may differ drastically between individuals based on their personal needs and energy requirements.

Best healthy fats for PCOS:

  1. Oily fish
  2. Fatty fruits
  3. Nuts 
  4. Seeds
  5. Cooking oils

1. Oily fish

Oily fish (as well as other seafood) are one of the best sources of high-quality omega-3 fatty acids which is why most healthy eating guidelines recommend consuming fish on a regular basis. Unlike plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), fish-derived omega-3s (DHA and EPA) can be readily used by our body for its functions (such as cell membrane and hormone building).

As I’ve already mentioned, maintaining a balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in your diet is one of the key strategies to reduce inflammation which is why omega-3-rich oily fish is an excellent source of healthy fats for women with PCOS. 

In addition, oily fish and other seafood are a great source of micronutrients (such as B12, zinc, iron, calcium, selenium, iodine) as well as a complete protein (containing all essential amino acids). Dietary protein plays another major role in the management of PCOS and you can find my other favorite sources here: ‘The Best Protein Sources For PCOS (Food List)‘.

Best oily fish for PCOS:

  • Salmon
  • Mackerel
  • Sardines
  • Anchovies
  • Herring
100g serving
(cooked)
calories
(kcal)
fat
(g)
protein
(g)
carbs
(g)
fiber
(g)
Salmon1828.125.400
Mackerel1566.323.200
Sardines19510.425.300
Anchovies21010.029.000
Herring1589.018.000
source: USDA

Pro tips:

  • Heavy metals – to minimize your exposure to heavy metals, opt for smaller fish at the end of the food chain (sardines, mackerel, salmon, anchovies) as they are the lowest in mercury in contrast to larger fish (shark, bluefin tuna, swordfish) that are the most contaminated
  • Canned fish – canned fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon, anchovies, tuna) are a great practical and budget-friendly option to include in your diet as they are just as nutritious and you can easily add them to any meals
  • Freezing – to save money, buy high-quality seafood (such as salmon) in larger quantities when it’s on sale and keep it in a freezer (individually packed for easier use) as it can be stored there for up to several months without losing its quality
  • Quality – to get the highest quality seafood, opt for wild-caught rather than farmed whenever possible and look for sustainable seafood labels for ethical reasons

2. Fatty fruits

Fatty fruits (such as avocados, olives, coconuts) are another excellent food source of healthy fats for women with PCOS. Unlike most fruits, they are naturally low in sugars and therefore won’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. They are also packed with a wide range of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients) important for the management of PCOS.  

Avocados and olives are some of the best sources of monounsaturated fats (especially omega-9) which have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes and obesity in multiple studies. Since olives and avocados are particularly rich in antioxidants, omega-9 and vitamin E, they are extremely beneficial for skin health.

Read more: ‘PCOS Acne Explained & How To Treat It Naturally‘.

Coconuts are also rich in antioxidants and several micronutrients but they have a completely different fatty acid profile. They consist of mostly MCTs (medium-chained triglycerides) which is a type of saturated fat. According to research, the consumption of MCTs may help support heart health, weight management, digestion and brain health.

Additionally, fatty fruits (in their wholefood form) are also particularly rich in dietary fiber which is another important component of a healthy PCOS diet

Read more: ‘The Best & Worst Fruits For PCOS (Complete List)

Best fatty fruits for PCOS:

  • Avocado
  • Olives
  • Coconut
serving size
(100g)
calories
(kcal)
fat
(g)
protein
(g)
carbs
(g)
fiber
(g)
Avocado16015.02.09.07.0
Olives11511.00.86.03.2
Coconut35433.03.315.09.0
source: USDA

Pro tips:

  • Shop at farmer’s markets – you can find much cheaper and high-quality fruit in your local farmer’s markets as it’s always seasonal, local, fresh and at the peak of its ripeness
  • Snack on fatty fruits– fatty fruits are a great snack that will fill you up without raising your blood sugar levels, try snacking on fresh or dried coconut, pickled olives or avocado (just cut it in half, sprinkle with some salt and eat it with a spoon)

    Read more: ‘PCOS Cravings: How To Reduce Appetite & Excessive Hunger
  • Put on top of meals – fatty fruits are an excellent meal topper and it’s a great way to create healthy balanced meals with a good source of healthy fats, it can be added to basically anything including salads, nourish bowls, dinners, smoothies or yogurt bowls
  • Make dips – use fatty fruits to make delicious dips, sauces and spreads with a creamy texture (both sweet and savory)
  • Use in baking – coconut is an excellent baking ingredient (it’s very versatile) but you can make some delicious sweet recipes from avocado too (especially brownies, chocolate pudding and raw desserts)
  • Buy organic – choose organic fruits whenever possible to reduce your exposure to harmful pesticides and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, check the list of ‘Dirty Dozen and Clean 15’ to know which types of fruits contain the highest levels

3. Nuts

Nuts, in general, are some of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world and they are also a great source of healthy fats for PCOS. According to research, the consumption of nuts may help improve insulin resistance, manage weight, support heart health and balance hormones in women with this condition.

In terms of macronutrient profile, nuts are typically highest in different types of fats (polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, saturated) but they also provide a decent amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. This is one of the reasons nuts are so filling and why they’re such a great food for women with PCOS.

While there are some nutritional differences between different types of nuts, I highly recommend including a wide range of nuts in your diet to get the most health benefits (diversity is key). Nonetheless, you can find a more detailed comparison of different types of nuts and their benefits for PCOS in my previous article ‘Best Nuts & Nut Butter For PCOS (Complete List).

Best nuts for PCOS:

  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Cashew nuts
  • Brazil nuts
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Hazelnuts
  • Pistachio nuts
  • Pecan nuts
  • Pine nuts
  • Peanuts
100g serving
(raw)
calories
(kcal)
fat
(g)
protein
(g)
carbs
(g)
fiber
(g)
Walnuts65465.015.014.07.0
Almonds57949.921.121.612.5
Peanuts56749.225.816.18.5
Pistachios56945.821.127.610.3
Cashews55343.918.230.23.3
Hazelnuts62860.815.016.79.7
Brazil nuts65666.414.312.37.5
Pecan nuts69072.09.014.010.0
Pine nuts67368.413.713.13.7
Macadamia nuts71875.87.913.98.6
source: USDA

Pro tips:

  • Buy in bulk – since nuts are overall relatively pricey it is always worth buying in bulk, they last for a long time and you can even freeze them to pro-longed their freshness
  • Make homemade nut butters – you can easily make your own nut butters at home by simply blending raw (or toasted) nuts in the food processor until smooth, try adding some extra ingredients (cinnamon, salt, cacao powder, other nuts) to create unique flavors
  • Use nut flours – nut flours are a great gluten-free and low-carb alternative that you can use for baking, cooking and even raw recipes, just beware that different nut flours have different textures and characteristics so you want to use them accordingly

    Read more: ‘The Best Flours for PCOS & How To Use Them
  • Eat nuts for snacks – whole nuts are one of the best snacks you can always have on hand since they’re small in size but highly satiating, delicious and energy and nutrient-dense
  • Combine nut butters with fruits – nut butters in combination with fruits (or veggies) is one of my favorite thing to eat, not only does it taste delicious but it also helps slow down the absorption of sugar (from the fruit) into the bloodstream and prevent rapid blood glucose spikes, I’ve learned this by tracking my own glucose levels via a smart device

    You can find more useful tools here: ‘TOP 5 Smart Devices To Monitor & Manage PCOS
  • Make homemade nut milks – nut milk can also be easily made at home simply by blending nuts with water and other optional ingredients in a food processor, you can use the leftover pulp for baking or if you don’t want to create any ‘waste’ you can just blend a spoon of nut butter with water instead (it really does the trick)

    Read more: ‘What Type Of Milk Is Best For PCOS? (The Ultimate Guide)

4. Seeds

Similar to nuts, seeds are another excellent source of micronutrients as well as healthy fats for women with PCOS. Some seeds (such as flaxseeds) are even associated with hormone-balancing properties due to their high content of bioactive compounds such as lignans and phytoestrogens. You can find out more about it here: ‘Flaxseeds For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips

Moreover, certain seeds (flax, chia, hemp) are a great source of ALA (plant-based omega-3s) which may help balance your omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, reduce inflammation and manage PCOS. Apart from being a great source of healthy fats, seeds are also rich in dietary fiber and plant proteins. Such macronutrient composition is perfect for balancing blood sugar levels, reducing hunger and managing weight.

As always, it is best to opt for variety in your diet so it’s worth including multiple types of seeds in your diet for the most benefits. However, I’ve created a detailed list of some of the most beneficial seeds for PCOS (including nutritional comparison) which you can access here ‘Best Seeds For PCOS & How To Use Them (Complete List)‘.

Best seeds for PCOS:

  • Flaxseeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Hemp seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds
100g serving
(raw)
calories
(kcal)
fat
(g)
protein
(g)
carbs
(g)
fiber
(g)
Flaxseeds53442.218.328.927.3
Chia seeds49030.815.643.937.7
Hemp seeds55348.831.68.74
Pumpkin seeds5744929.814.76.5
Sunflower seeds58451.520.8208.6
Sesame seeds56748.017.026.016.9
Poppy seeds53344.718.023.710.0
source: USDA

Pro tips:

  • Buy in bulk – since seeds are overall relatively pricey it is always worth buying in bulk, they last for a long time and you can even freeze them to pro-longed their freshness
  • Make homemade seed butters – you can easily make your own seed butters at home by simply blending raw (or toasted) seeds in the food processor until smooth, try adding some extra ingredients (cinnamon, salt, cacao powder, other seeds/nuts) to create unique flavors
  • Use seed flours – seed flours are a great gluten-free and low-carb alternative that you can use for baking, cooking and even raw recipes, just beware that different seed flours have different textures and characteristics so you want to use them accordingly
  • Eat seeds for snacks – whole seeds (the larger ones) are one of the best snacks you can always have on hand since they’re small in size but highly satiating, delicious and energy and nutrient-dense
  • Combine seed butters with fruits – seed butter in combination with fruits (or veggies) not only tastes delicious but it also helps slow down the absorption of sugar (from the fruit) into the bloodstream and prevent rapid blood glucose spikes
  • Make homemade seed milks – seed milk can also be easily made at home simply by blending seeds with water and other optional ingredients in a food processor, you can use the leftover pulp for baking or if you don’t want to create any ‘waste’ you can just blend a spoon of seed butter with water instead (it really does the trick)

5. Cooking oils

While I generally recommend obtaining most of your dietary fats from whole foods (listed above) to get the most benefits, some types of cooking oils can still be a great source of healthy fats for PCOS. Not only are cooking oils very practical and versatile but they are essential for certain recipes and culinary purposes.

However, since cooking oils need to be extracted from their original source it is important to consider the processing method as well. Most industrialized refined oils are heavily processed requiring a number of chemical treatments and purifications. Such oils are not only lower in nutrients but they may also contain harmful chemicals and contribute to inflammation in the body.

If you suffer from PCOS, it is therefore best to opt for high-quality cooking oils using gentle processing techniques (such as cold-pressing). Cooking oils also differ drastically in terms of their fatty acid profile, smoke point and nutrient content which is why I created a full guide on how to choose and use the best cooking oils for PCOS here: ‘The Best & Worst Cooking Oils For PCOS‘.

In general, you want to opt for minimally processed (virgin cold-pressed) cooking oils coming from nutrient-rich whole foods with a favorable fatty acid composition. However, bear in mind that all cooking oils are pure fat (no carbohydrates or proteins are present) which makes them a particularly energy-dense food (low in volume but high in calories).

Best cooking oils for PCOS:

  • Olive oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Flaxseed oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Hemp oil
mon. fatomega-3omega-6sat. fatsmoke point
Olive oil
(unrefined)
75%1%9%15%325-375°F
(165-190°C)
Avocado oil
(unrefined)
70%1%13%12%375-400°F
(190-205°C)
Flaxseed oil
(unrefined)
18%57%16%9%225°F
(107°C)
Coconut oil
(unrefined)
7%0%2%91%350°F
(175°C)
Hemp oil
(unrefined)
11%21%59%9%330°F
(165°C)

Pro tips:

  • Prioritize quality – choose unrefined (raw/virgin/cold-pressed) oils to ensure their highest quality and nutrient content, opting for organic unrefined oils will also help minimize your exposure to harmful pesticides, herbicides and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals
  • Store accordingly – unrefined oils (especially unsaturated) are very prone to oxidation (sensitive to light and heat) which is why it’s best to store them in a cool dark place for no longer than a few months, look for cooking oils in dark glass bottles to ensure their maximal freshness
  • Add to fruits and veggies – adding healthy fats to colorful fruits and vegetables is a great way to increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants, it also helps reduce your blood sugar spikes and increase satiety
  • Portion size – despite the numerous health benefits associated with certain cooking oils, keep in mind that they are still extremely energy-dense (high in calories) which may lead to weight gain over time, try using measuring tools (eg. tablespoons) or cooking oils in spray bottles to better control the portions

Are fats bad for PCOS?

Dietary fats are not bad for PCOS as they are involved in multiple body functions including hormone regulation. However, there are major differences between different types of fats and their effect on PCOS. Omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats appear to be particularly beneficial for PCOS.

Does high-fat diet help PCOS?

In general, a high-fat diet can be considered good for women with PCOS as it may help manage blood sugar levels, improve insulin resistance and balance hormones. However, the diet’s quality and overall energy intake also need to be considered to achieve optimal results and manage PCOS.

How much fat per day for PCOS?

As a general rule, women with PCOS should obtain approximately 30-40% of their total daily calories from dietary fats. However, the exact amount may differ between individuals based on their personal needs, goals, activity levels, age and body compositions.


Resources:

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  • Rajaeieh, G., Marasi, M., Shahshahan, Z., Hassanbeigi, F., & Safavi, S. M. (2014). The Relationship between Intake of Dairy Products and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women Who Referred to Isfahan University of Medical Science Clinics in 2013. International journal of preventive medicine, 5(6), 687–694. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25013687/
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