Susan Macintosh 23rd January 2017
Are you having the best January? I really hope so.
I am just now returning to writing and chatting… it’s been a good break to recharge and reset. I hope that you have had the same?
Today, I’m thinking about fat… not the “fat on the tummy” kinda fat, more the fat that you eat.
Do you LOVE fat?
My clients will know that I spend a lot of time talking about eating good fat, (it’s all about having a diet that increases mitochondrial regeneration …which supports our bodies repairing faster and functioning better)
The catch is, that not all fats are good fats for you.
The thing is to know which fats are good for us, to eat more of those and lose the fats that aren’t so fabulous. And believe me, there are lots of reasons as to why good fats are very good for you.
I figure that if you understand why, then it makes it easier to include fat in your diet.
For years, we have been told to increase the number of grains that we eat and fat has been painted as the “bad guy” when it comes to our health. However, science now shows that many grains cause inflammation within our gut, leading to lots of other troubles, whereas good fats have a whole host of benefits. I’ll list some below.
Firstly, what are good (healthy) fats?
Healthy fats (primarily) consist of fats that haven’t been processed with heat. It goes back to healthy food being the least processed food. Every week it’s good to eat a variety of oily fish, unsalted nuts and seeds, coconut oil, butter, avocado and cold-pressed virgin olive oils.
Meat fat and offal (both in moderation) are some of the best sources of good fats. If you are a meat eater, then please choose well marbled, organic or free range meat. Fortunately,in Australia most of our beef is free range, and other meats are now being produced in a free range way, (check the labelling or build a good relationship with your local butcher.) The US is quite different and perhaps the UK as well?
Some Reasons for Eating Healthy Fat
- Healthy fats may prevent energy dips and can keep hunger at bay.
Fat balances blood sugar by slowing the rate at which sugar from food enters the blood stream. This prevents blood sugar and energy crashes, and results in fewer cravings for sugary ‘quick fixes’.
The bonus for this, is that fat can keep hunger pangs at bay!
- Healthy fats can reduce inflammation and improve heart health
This is especially true when it comes to the omega-3 fats, founds in oily fish, freshly crushed flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts. Their potent anti-inflammatory effects can work wonders for those suffering from inflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions associated with pain.
Omega 3 fats can also help reduce inflammation within blood vessels, lower triglycerides and increase our heart protective HDL cholesterol, all of which are key indicators of a healthy heart.
A caveat … there is some controversy about how well some people absorb particular sources of omega-3 fats. The only way to know which genetic pathway for absorption that you have, is to have a SPECT scan which is a costly exercise. To be on the safe side, use both fish and freshly ground flax seed oils and use a well-produced fish oil from wild caught fish who dive deeply.
Remember, not all fish oils are created equal. Australia and New Zealand Government Agencies regularly report that many of the fish oils on our super market, naturopath and pharmacy shelves are often oxidised and rarely reach the standards expressed on the side of the bottle.
- Healthy fats boost metabolism and stimulate fat burning.
This is because omega 3 fats can direct sugar to be stored in muscle and liver cells as glycogen, rather than being stored as fat. This glycogen can then go on to be used as fuel by the body.
Healthy fats can also lower levels of our fat storage insulin, which allows fat be shed more easily
- Healthy fats boost memory, mood and concentration.
Did you know that the human brain is nearly 60% fat? Healthy fats are some of the most important molecules that determine your brain’s integrity and ability to perform well as they are the most able molecules to carry essential nutrients across the blood brain barrier.
To improve concentration, memory and boost mood, it’s thought that you should consume at least 2-3 portions of oily fish a week. And some recent Clinical studies have shown that by slowing down inflammation, (by usingYspan) blood flow within the brain and overall brain health improves, which is really exciting. (think preventative measures for dementia)
- Healthy fats can make your skin glow
Healthy fats are an integral part of cell membranes, it is the cell membrane which influences the cell’s ability to hold water.
Our skin is made up of a very large number of cells, therefore a nice healthy cell membrane leads to more supple, softer and more wrinkle free skin. Love that! Who likes wrinkles? Definitely not me.
As always, moderation and variety is good. Too much of a good thing, can become a bad thing!
Personally I don’t leave my intake of a wide range of healthy fats to chance. I plan menus that incorporate all of the fats listed above and consume fish oils in supplement form every day. I use 2 products from the botanical range of products that I sell, for this purpose. Love them ‘cos they are the best!
And I like to use the best products in my body, and this is the reason why…. please listen into the chemistry of your body. It’s very cool! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TghTECI5MJo&feature=youtu.be
And if you would like to know more, I’m happy to chat.
Smiles, Susiemac
Thank you again for allowing me to be in your “in” box. I am honoured to be able to be here. I would also love for you to pass this message on to those who you think might like to know a little more about fat!.
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