Feb 06, 2023

THE “F” WORD (FATS!)

Not too long ago, I thought anything with full-fat should be avoided at ALL costs. I only had low-fat yogurts, reduced fat crackers and chips, and 2% milk, because I thought it would keep the weight off and was also healthier for me. And then I learned that it wasn’t good for me. It actually was doing more harm than helping my body. You see, fats are crucial for our bodies. They don’t cause us to gain weight like most people think (trans-fats and “franken-fats”, i.e., vegetable/canola oils, margarines, and low-fat butter spreads are more responsible for that!). Fats are incredibly healthy for our bodies and are an important part of a well-balanced diet.

FATS DO A VARIETY OF THINGS LIKE KEEP US FEELING SATIATED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, THEY AIDE IN THE PROPER ABSORPTION OF FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS A, D, E, K, THEY HELP TO REGULATE ENERGY ABSORPTION BY SLOWING THE ABSORPTION OF FOOD, THEY SERVE AS A PROTECTIVE LINING FOR ORGANS OF THE BODY, AND THEY ARE CRITICAL IN THE PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN HORMONES.

Healthy dietary fat is crucial for the production of hormones and cell membranes. One hormone in particular is a critical component in helping with inflammation in the body. That hormone is prostaglandin and cannot be synthesized without proper fat intake. Prostaglandins serve several functions such as regulating the cell’s communication system, they provide fine tuning needed for maintaining homeostasis within the body, they increase blood flow within the kidneys, they dilate bronchial tubes, and finally, they control inflammatory function.

Inflammation is the process our body goes through to fight off things that may harm it, like infections, injuries, and toxins, in order to heal itself. When a foreign invader damages cells, then a chemical response is triggered. This response releases antibodies and proteins, and increased blood flow to the injured site. Sometimes, this response lingers and our bodies stay in a chronic state of inflammation. Having chronic inflammation can lead to a host of other major issues, such as cancer or stroke.

Here are some signs your body may be in a chronic state of inflammation:

Fatigue
Body pain
Depression and anxiety
Gastrointestinal complications (diarrhea or constipation)
Weight gain
Weight loss
Persistant infections

The body first inflames to heal, then anti-inflames to resolve injury. Without prostaglandins, your body will be in a constant state of inflammation, therefore, never recovering from the injury or issue.

What kind of fats should you be including in your daily diet to help with inflammation?

Olive oil
Avocados
Peanuts
Almonds
Pistachios
Mackerel
Salmon
Sardines
Flaxseeds
Walnuts
Coconut oil
Whole milk
Grass fed butter
Ghee
Tallow

What fats should you avoid?

Anything low fat or reduced fat! These inhibit the production of prostaglandins and also cause a variety of other issues like blood sugar dysregulation, excessive hunger, and weight gain. Low fat or reduced fat items also have high amounts of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients in them. Go for full-fat items especially when consuming milks, cheeses, and yogurts.

Fats that need to go in the trash, today!

Canola Oil
Vegetable Oil
Soybean Oil
Margarine
Hydrogenated oils of any kind!

These fats should be considered UNSAFE for human consumption! Shift your fears surrounding “fats” and nourish your body with good, healthy fats to keep even
the smallest components within it functioning properly!