Does FAT make you FAT?
YES and NO. The right answer to this question is dependent on what type of fat we’re talking about. Certain fats are actually essential for so many important bodily functions, but the wrong kind of fat can lead us down an unhealthy path to weight gain and a long list of diseases.
Fat to Avoid
Hydrogenated Oils
You have probably already heard in the media or just about anywhere that hydrogenated oils are detrimental to your health so to avoid them at all costs. But what exactly are they?
Hydrogenation is a chemical process used to make fat more shelf stable. This hydrogenation method completely alters the liquid oil’s molecular structure so that it no longer resembles a natural fat. Because your body does not recognize the transformed molecule as a natural fat, it cannot process it and treats it as a toxin. This “toxin” has been linked to cancer, birth defects, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and obesity.
We must read labels! Hydrogenated oil and partially hydrogenated oil can be found in most packaged foods (margarine, crackers, chips, pretzels, cookies, cereal bars, sugar cereals, microwave popcorn, and low-fat and fat-free snacks). There are even many packaged foods advertised as “health foods” that include this toxic ingredient.
Fats You Must Eat
Your body cannot survive without fat – specifically essential fatty acids. Your brain, hormones, immune system, and digestion are all dependent on this healthy fat (which is why people who go on very extreme low fat diets often suffer many health problems).
Omega 3 Fats
Omega 3 Fats are essential to human health but cannot be produced by the body which is why it is essential that we get these great fats from food. Foods high in Omega 3 fats are leafy green vegetables, flax seeds, salmon, sardines, raw walnuts, organic eggs and grass fed beef.
Extensive research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems. Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include extreme tiredness (fatigue), poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.
Cooking Oil
The only oil that is suitable for high heat cooking (and one of the healthiest oils you can consume) is raw, organic, unrefined coconut oil. Coconut oil has been proven to be one of the healthiest oils available for the human body and increases the body’s metabolic rate (helping in weight loss)
Oils best Raw
Olive oil and flax seed oil are two wonderful oils to use for salad dressing or on cooked or raw veggies. These oils have a lower melting point and are more stable (and healthier) when kept raw.
All you need to know about fat and fat consumption:
1. Avoid all products containing hydrogenated oil and partially hydrogenated oil
2. Consume foods high in Omega 3′s such as salmon, flax seeds, walnuts and organic eggs
3. Cook with Organic, Unrefined Coconut Oil
4. Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flaxseed oil raw for salads and veggies. Also include avocados as a healthy source of fat into your meal plans.
Remember all fats are not created equal and proper use of the good fats can be a great way to keep you and your family at optimum health!
For more information about Omega 3s, click here.
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Hi. I have a big problem. Me, Okay not me but my size. I’m am bascially inactive because I have muscualr Dystrophy. So i have gained weight. Can people lose weight without exercise?
Can you help? I am 5’5″ and weigh 200lbs.
Many fat loss program designs that are proven to be effective for building muscles. Many programs are designed to assist your body in releasing fat stores and maintaining muscle mass.
A combination of a healthy diet and exercise is the best and most effective way to lose weight, but it is definitely possible to lose weight simply by eating healthy foods.
I was wondering about popping dry popcorn in an air popper and using a little butter. Would this be an okay snack?
Isabel will actually be addressing popcorn (and other corn products) in an upcoming newsletter – keep an eye out for it!
Does cooking things like eggs or chicken in olive oil change the chemical compound of the oil rendering it not so healthy?
Can you use avocado oil for salad dressings?
Helen, you can use avocado oil for dressing, but stay away from using it to cook with.
Now I understand… I am a protein type and my hsband is a carb type. I snack on almond butter, he snacks on ice cream and pretzels. I’d better find him some healthier snacks… we’re out of organic plums. Need to buy more org. carrots and celery too… Thos organic grapes are yummie, though! Don’t have to be a carb type to like those
Hope it’s OK to fry the morning org. egg in org. olive oil. He doesn’t like it made with org. coconut oil.
Thanks for sharring , this really works great!!
I mssed the corn story can you do it again
Great Article. Me and wife actually only cook with Coconut Oil. It gives your food an awesome flavor. Check out this recipe:
http://www.mtfjourney.com/access/2010/12/01/joyces-30-minute-meals-episode-2/
Can I cook with butter or is it a no-no. i.e eggs fish . Carole
Keeping a food journal is an excellent way to understand how each food effects you.
I’m allergic to coconut and peanuts any other suggestions for cooking oil?? Plus if I overload on raw nuts and seeds I get an allergic recation. The reaction is an itchy swollen feeling in my throat> I was allergy tested as a child and recieved injection from 8 to 18 which helped greatly with most of my allergies.
Susan, cook using raw, organic butter or ghee!
Just want to share with folks out there For years I ate and cooked with hydrogenated margarines I switched to olive oil and butter (no salt) about a year ago I normally eat the nuts and such and the green suggested and I want to tell you all that with minimal exercise and good diet and good sleep I lost 30 lbs in 7 months. I have since reverted to the margarine and fewer of the good foods and done next to no exercising. I have gained 6 lbs Proof is in the pudding folks …… needless to say I am back on track and will lose the 6 lbs within 3 weeks . Good luck folks
This a teriffic article about a missconseption I have had and I know so many of you have had. I have learned so much from this site about things I thought where bad to eat. Especially fatty foods. I love that it’s all about the RIGHT ones that we choose that will make a difference. We actually need fat in our diet to stay healthy – so make the right choices! Read the article and enjoy!