Dietary fat: is it good or bad?
Both. You see, not all fats are created equal.
The Skinny on Fats
Heavily processed, hydrogenated “trans” fats used in prepared, packaged foods can be extremely damaging to the body. They can compromise the cardiovascular system, immune system, and contribute to behavior problems. They can also lead to weight gain, skin breakouts, high blood pressure, and liver strain.
Many people are scared of fats, but our bodies need fat for insulation, vitamin and mineral absorption, and to protect our organs. High-quality fats can steady our metabolism, keep hormone levels even, nourish our skin, hair, and nails, and provide lubrication to keep the body functioning fluidly.
Where to Find Healthy Fats
· Avocados, olives, and coconuts,
· Whole nuts and seeds, and their butters like almond butter or tahini.
· Look for the highest quality organic oils when shopping. Words to look for: organic, first-
pressed, cold-pressed, extra-virgin, and unrefined. Avoid expeller-pressed, refined, and
solvent extracted.
How to Use Healthy Fats When Cooking
· For cooking at high temperatures (stir frying and baking), try grapeseed or coconut oil.
· When sautéing foods, try grapeseed oil.
· Oils like extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed, sesame, toasted sesame, walnut, and pumpkin seed are best used unheated in sauces or dressings.
Were you surprised by the various forms of good fat ? What stood out to you ? Feel free to comment below.
Both. You see, not all fats are created equal.
The Skinny on Fats
Heavily processed, hydrogenated “trans” fats used in prepared, packaged foods can be extremely damaging to the body. They can compromise the cardiovascular system, immune system, and contribute to behavior problems. They can also lead to weight gain, skin breakouts, high blood pressure, and liver strain.
Many people are scared of fats, but our bodies need fat for insulation, vitamin and mineral absorption, and to protect our organs. High-quality fats can steady our metabolism, keep hormone levels even, nourish our skin, hair, and nails, and provide lubrication to keep the body functioning fluidly.
Where to Find Healthy Fats
· Avocados, olives, and coconuts,
· Whole nuts and seeds, and their butters like almond butter or tahini.
· Look for the highest quality organic oils when shopping. Words to look for: organic, first-
pressed, cold-pressed, extra-virgin, and unrefined. Avoid expeller-pressed, refined, and
solvent extracted.
How to Use Healthy Fats When Cooking
· For cooking at high temperatures (stir frying and baking), try grapeseed or coconut oil.
· When sautéing foods, try grapeseed oil.
· Oils like extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed, sesame, toasted sesame, walnut, and pumpkin seed are best used unheated in sauces or dressings.
Were you surprised by the various forms of good fat ? What stood out to you ? Feel free to comment below.