The Anti-Fat FAD
FAT IS ACTUALLY A FRIEND!!
Say What? Yep, …FAT IS AN AWESOME MACRONUTRIENT.
Despite the fact that there is a lot of negativity around fat in the media, it is a powerful part of a balanced diet. Not convinced? Here are the benefits of including healthy fats in EACH and EVERY meal.
Unsaturated fats (ie. avocados, seeds, nuts, olive oil) help to raise HDL cholesterol levels (this is a good thing..HDL’S fight LDL’s. Like superhero’s, HDL particles regularly patrol blood vessels, grabbing cholesterol from circulating LDL particles AND from dangerous, sticky plaque that line artery walls.).
Gives your body energy. Fats are the second source of energy (following carbs…yes, bread!) for the body.
Protects the organs. Adipose tissue (made from fats) protects organs and cushions body parts that undergo stress during movement (think heel and toe pads).
Supports cell growth! Fat is used to build cell membranes.
Helps your body absorb vital nutrients. Certain vitamins (think vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E) are fat-soluble only. This means they NEED fat in order to do work in your body.
Can help regulate hormones for menstrual cycles in women. Fats are the building blocks of estrogen and progesterone, two key hormones in a woman’s menstrual cycle. Not eating enough fats can cause a disruption in the cycle.
Cutting out ANY type of food is an unhealthy way to approach your nourishment. Try to remember that there is always room for a balance between the foods we encounter on a day to day basis. Fat is good for you, as is a healthy mindset when it comes to food.
Written by Trinny Duncan, Student Intern and Peggy Pratt, PhD, RD, LD, CEDRD
SOURCES:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/know-the-facts-about-fats