A new survey by the U.S. Hass Avocado Board (HAB) shows that many Americans are still unclear about the definition and impact of 'good' and 'bad' fats.

In a survey of more than 2,000 adults, 36% incorrectly thought that all fats played a role in increased cholesterol levels, compared to 42% of respondents in 2014.

Respondents categorized as millennials (aged 18-35) may feel more educated today about which foods to eat and which to avoid (66%), but they also incorrectly indicated that saturated fats are considered good fats (21%), up 7% from 2014.

HAB said while some progress had been made over the past two years, there was still work to be done to educate consumers.

"Today’s consumer knows that there’s a difference between good fats and bad fats, but they can’t yet make the distinction," HAB executive director Emiliano Escobedo said.

"This tells us that more education is needed to help differentiate these types of fats, and identify the role they play in our diets and the impact they have on our health."

The organization also highlighted that avocados were one of the few fruits with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, or "good fats."

"Fresh avocado contributes naturally good fats to one’s diet, and is a wholesome, delicious and satisfying swap in an individual’s healthy eating plan for foods high in saturated fats," HAB director of nutrition Nikki Ford, PhD.

"We are committed to continuing to educate Americans about the health benefits of this fruit – and good fats in general – until consumers can easily identify good fat types and their benefits."

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