Fat is a healthy component of each person's diet. But ALL FATS ARE NOT EQUAL. For lack of better words, there are "good" fats and "bad" fats. "Good" fats such as unsaturated oils like olive, sunflower, safflower, evening primrose, borage, nuts and seeds and their oils and fatty fish and their oils make many positive contributions to our health. "Good" fats function to generate energy, create and maintain cell membranes, insulate and protect, improve nerve and organ function, discourage fat storage and create prostaglandins. As already reviewed in my recent blog about evening primrose oil, prostaglandins mimic the action of hormones in the body to such positive effect as reducing inflammation. Consuming "good" fats can help mental and nervous system disorders, diabetes, PMS, heart disease, skin and joint disorders. Moreover, "good" fats help improve digestion, prostate and breast health and contribute to a healthy pregnancy and post-pregnancy, especially improving the quality of breast milk.
Saturated fats, in excess, are "bad" fats that cause health problems over time. Saturated fats are found primarily in animal protein, butter and coconut oil and are solid at room temperature. This is not to say that saturates ought to be 100% cut out from the diet, but rather that moderation is key.
Low-fat products aren't doing anyone any favours. Depending on the nature of the "low-fat", "diet" or "calorie-wise" product, there may be artificial sweeteners in the ingredients list and artificial sweeteners are absolutely toxic to the human body. Furthermore, low-fat products have been more processed than products that are left with fat in tact. And, just to be redundant, chances are that the fat that was otherwise in that product was healthful in nature.
Our society is one of excessive consumption. Those who are recommended to avoid fats would do better to avoid low-fat products and moderate their intake of dietary fats, putting focus upon the "good" fats and being mindful of "bad" fats. Again, the fats that are considered "bad" are only classified as so when they are consumed excessively. So slow down, enjoy your food - even food with fat included - and be moderate!
For more information on just how atrocious the ingredients in low-fat products can be, check out my recent column for SEE Magazine: Low-Fat May Be Highly Bad For You
Roberta Shepherd for Prana Holistic
