Getting FAT is Good for Your Health

Low carb, low fat, low sugar, are all diet approaches that you have heard of before. While it is important to moderate your intake of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, many have found that while reducing their fat intake, that they have continued to gain weight. Interestingly enough, it may be that many out there are not eating enough fat. Healthy fats that is. Fats, or more specifically fatty acids, are essential for a number of bodily functions. Everything from your brain, to your nerves and immune system depend on healthy fats for proper operation.

So, what are healthy fats? Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (Omega 3 Fats) are both plant/non meat or poultry based sources of fat. These healthy fats help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and have shown some benefits in helping to reduce liver cancer. Healthy fats are also found in more nutrient rich foods versus other forms of fat.

Saturated (found in animal products) and trans fats (engineered fats used to preserve foods and extend shelf life) are the culprits that contribute to raising cholesterol and increasing the risk of heart disease. While most people are keen on avoiding foods high in saturated fats, including red meat, tropical oils, and whole fat dairy, it is the foods rich in trans fat that often slips by undetected. A short list of high trans fat foods include vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, candies, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods, and other processed foods.

Beware of low fat foods! The advent of new low fat snacks, treats, and desserts have fooled many into indulging in high calories consumption. Remember that foods low in fat may simply have traded fat for sugar. Ever wondered why those low fat cookies taste the same as the full fat versions? The answer is sugar. Scientists have come up with a number of ways to engineer process foods to exchange elements like fatty refined carbohydrates and sugars.

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