There is Such a Thing as Good Fat

While some may believe that are body is only capable of storing bad fats, this is entirely untrue!

It’s time to steer away from the low fat myth, because while some fats are yes essentially bad for you, some essential nutrients that are body needs are fats. Good fats which are also known as monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the type that help to lower our cholesterol and help promote well being and longevity. Bad fats, saturated and Trans fats are the ones that we most likely need to stay away from. So how can we tell the difference between these good and bad fats?  Butter, cheese and ice cream, and most processed foods in general are the ones that contain a substance known as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. This type of fat-is bad!

Bad fats, or trans fats, are usually things that are very processed or are solid at room temperature, such as butter for example. Vegetable oil and fat from certain nuts and fish would all be considered to be good fat. Avocado, salmon, nuts, canola oil, safflower oil, these are all the type of fats that will help lower bad cholesterol, and actually possibly slim down the waist line. When we cut back on refined carbohydrates (bad fats) are body stops digesting them as quickly and as efficiently. One of the biggest influences on our blood cholesterol would be the type of fats we put into our body.

Bad fats (saturated and trans) raise the levels of bad cholesterol.Trans fats also lower good cholesterol. Good fats, such as mono and polyunsaturated fats, will not when eaten of course in moderation. One thing to keep in mind, bad fats are almost always man made. Any kind of packaged treat you get in the grocery store, is unfortunately not going to lower your cholesterol or reduce your risk of diabetes. Omega 3 fatty acids are highly marketed today and are even being recommended by traditional medical practitioners.  These EFA’S or essential fatty acids play a crucial role in brain development and overall general health. Omega 3’s are said to help with arthritic pain, heart problems, depression/anxiety and minor skin alignments, ADHD, and other disorders.

There are two different types of fatty acids that come in our diets. “The first type is ALA (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in some vegetable oils, such as soybean, rapeseed (canola), and flaxseed, and in walnuts. ALA is also found in some green vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and salad greens. The other type, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is found in fatty fish. The body partially converts ALA to EPA and DHA.” (Dr. Frank Sacks, Harvard School of Public Health)

So yes, it is true-not all fat is going to make you ill and fat. This doesn’t mean go eat a whole bag of nuts or drink olive oil; it means to incorporate it into a diet. This will naturally help to reduce how quickly your body metabolizes bad fats, and it will make you glow!