Fats in the Diet...Good or Bad?

Let's talk about fats in the diet, which are good? Functional fats in the diet can come from animal and or plant sources. They are considered functional because they are important for many of the body's funtions.

Wild game and or grass fed animals and certain wild caught fish like salmon are high in omega-3 functional fats. Animals farm raised on grains are too high in omega-6 fats and don’t have enough of the highly important omega-3's that we need.

Omega-3's are considered “essential” because the body cannot make them, and you have to get them from a food source. Essential fatty acids are also considered “brain food”. Because the brain is made up of fat, omega-3's are necessary for cognitive function and mood regulation.

Other significant roles of omega-3 fatty acids are cell membrane and hormone function. Cell membranes need essential fatty acids to carry nutrients into the cells and waste out of the cells.

Dr. Mercola, a highly respected doctor and alternative health practioner, states that over 2,000 scientific studies have been conducted which show the wide range of problems that occur from omega-3 deficiencies. According to researchers 60% of the American population is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and this may be a conservative estimate.

Many of today’s chronic diseases are a result of an imbalance in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Too much omega-6 can lead to inflammatory and auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma and Alzheimers.

Omega-3 deficiencies have also been tied to learning disorders, hyperactivity, weight gain, depression, heart disease, allergies, violence and mood disorders, memory problems, fatigue, low immunity, cancer, diabetes, skin disorders and many more.

Good sources of omega-3 include coconuts, olives, cold water fish like salmon, raw nuts especially walnuts, flaxseed, leafy greens like spinach and botanical plants like purslane.

You can get some of these in oils as well, like flaxseed, coconut and olive oil. Just make sure they are cold and virgin pressed. This means they are not heat treated and you are getting the first extracted oils.

Now, let's look at other fats in the diet, the one's that are bad.

With fats, you want to stay away from man made alternatives, because the body cannot process them and they create “gunk” in your body.

Hydrogenated fats also known as trans fats are unnatural. These include shortening and margarine. They are major contributors to bad cholesterol, heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes. They are popular fats used in fried foods and baked goods.

If you value your health, eliminate or considerably reduce the amount of foods you eat with trans fats.

You are better off eating real animal fats in moderation than going to the fake or man altered stuff.

Trust what God made before you trust what man made!