Healthy Fats

Is fat in foods good or bad? Not all fat is bad for you. In fact your body needs fat to function. This macronutrient is a major source of energy and so much more. Fats help keep you warm, they help your body to absorb important nutrients, and they play a crucial role in some of your body’s everyday functions. But not all fats are created equally. There are many types of fat: saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and combinations of these.

​Healthy Fats (Monounsaturated Fats) can be found in:

• Plant-based oils like olive oil and sesame oil
• Nuts, such as peanuts and cashews
• Avocados
• Seeds, such as pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds

Healthy Fats (Polyunsaturated Fat) can be found in:

• Flaxseeds
• Fish oil
• Sunflower oil
• Nuts, like walnuts and pine nuts

Some fats are considered “bad” since they can potentially harm your health like trans fats which can be found in margarine and other processed foods. Trans fats can raise your LDL levels, which can cause a number of health concerns.
But consuming sufficient amounts of healthy fats may help improve blood cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Healthy fats provide a number of other benefits for your body and your brain. Here are a few…

• Studies show that healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish) are great for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• Consuming sufficient amounts of healthy monounsaturated fats may promote fat loss.
• The Mediterranean diet (a diet rich in foods that contain high monounsaturated fatty acids) has been shown to improve in healthy inflammation and coagulation markers.
• Omega-3 fatty acids play an important part in brain development and can improve mood.
• Consumption of essential fatty acids has beneficial effects on the brain and may improve sleep.
• If you want to have healthy, glowing skin, then you must have plenty of healthy fats in your diet. Healthy skin requires essential fatty acids. This is because omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats cause the rise of eicosanoids, which affects your skin’s inflammatory response.
• Healthy fat is essential in fostering glycemic control, helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels in people with insulin resistance.

Enjoy!!

If you would like more information, book an initial appointment online with me to discuss how to improve your diet for your health.

Best in Health!

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