Eat More Fat

When it comes to fat intake it is understood by most that you should limit the amount of fried foods in the diet. This is because fried foods contain saturated fat. Some saturated fats such as butter and margarine are solid at room temperature because their structure does not allow for much fluidity. They are associated with raising bad cholesterol, potentially leading to cardiovascular disease and obesity. However, not all fats are bad. In fact, certain fats can have a beneficial impact on your body. These fats are the unsaturated fats. They are associated with decreasing inflammation and allowing the cells of your body to better communicate with each other. In addition, they actually lower the bad cholesterol in your body. Some of the foods containing unsaturated fats include olive oil, canola oil, avocados, almonds, seeds, fish (salmon specifically), and natural peanut butter. In medicine, certain practitioners may prescribe fish oil, which is basically a supplement containing unsaturated fats (omega 3 and omega 6).

Another fat that we may hear about is the trans fat. They affect your body similarly to saturated fats by raising bad cholesterol and negatively affecting your cardiovascular system. Trans fats are found in shortenings, cake mixes and frostings, and foods that are fried. If you do choose to fry your food then you should change the oil each time. This is because oils that are used time and time again are transformed from an unsaturated fat into a trans fat. This is the case in preparing french fries. Along with raising bad cholesterol trans fats are extremely difficult for your body to break down. This can be related to why trans fats are also used to help stabilize the shelf life of foods.

While it may it not be directly related to fat I challenge you to ask the question “why”? Whether it be a food you are eating, an exercise you are doing, or even a drug you are taking you deserve to know what you are doing to your body. Educate yourself and strive to take control. You deserve it!

Let us summarize…

1. Read your labels. The more saturated fats the worse it is on your system. On the contrary, the more unsaturated fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) the better it is your for your system
2. Eat More (Unsaturated) Fat including olive oil, canola oil, avocados, almonds, seeds, salmon, and natural peanut butter
3. Always ask “why”

Composed by Billy Hayduk, Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Physician Assistant Student (Rush) and Certified Personal Trainer and Bootcamp Instructor (WPAC)