Are high-fat foods really the enemy?
Are high-fat foods really the enemy when it comes to losing weight or getting fitter? With low-fat this and low-fat that being the war-cry of the diet industry, it may be worthwhile knowing that it’s not always as straightforward as simply cutting down our fat intake. In fact, we’re far more likely to gain body-fat because of the amount of refined sugar and processed food that we eat.
So, for my latest Nutritious Lolly blog, I thought it would be worthwhile to list 12 facts about fat that might surprise you. Enjoy!
12 facts about fat
- Not all high-fat foods are bad. In fact, our bodies need fat. It’s an essential component of a healthy, balanced diet. Hence the term – essential fatty acids
- Fat helps the body absorb vitamins A, D and E.
- The fat we eat is broken down into fatty acids. Any fat not used by cells or for energy is converted into body fat.
- Eating some fatty foods can make you leaner. Good fats are needed to improve cell walls, which in turn are better able to metabolise insulin. When I want to burn more body fat, I increase my essential fatty acid intake.
- Your brain needs fat. Our brains are around 60 per cent fat and need the Omega 3 fat DHA to spark communication between cells.
- Nuts, seeds and avocados are three foods that are packed with healthy fats (essential fatty acids).
- Healthy fats are vital for skin, hair and internal organs AND help to moderate our body temperature.
- Hydrogenated fat or trans-fat found in convenience and processed food is not good for you at all.
- The benefits of healthy fats are not just physical as Omega 3 fat can help to combat depression.
- Organic coconut oil is a source of healthy saturated fat. It is the only thing I ever put on my skin as a moisturiser and one of my favourite things to cook with.
Coconut oil – a source of healthy saturated fat - Essential fats help children stay physically healthy, reducing the risk of allergies, asthma, eczema and infections due to their anti-inflammatory and immune supporting properties.
- Essential fatty acids help prevent viruses, infections and toxic substances from entering and destroying cells. They help prevent cells from becoming cancerous and are vital to the efficient functioning of the immune system.
