Fats - Myth Busted!

It is safe to say that the majority of people have a number of misconceptions on fat. While we all try to make the best food choices possible, and adhere to all the latest guidelines on what is good for us. Have we ever stopped to ask ourselves the validity of the claims that we are being sold on? Taking a look at the claims that are made about fat alone, one would guess not.

A lot of doctors and specialist will have been teaching the public for years that fats are the main factor for heart diseases. It is important that you understand that fats are only on factor, not the one single factor. Also you need to understand that there are some fats which your body needs to function properly. You need fats to be healthy!

Every cell membrane contains mostly fat. This tells us that we have to consume a specific amount of fats. This is necessary for our cells to function properly. No, I didnt say that you should run out and order a supersized BigMac meal. It means that you should make the right decision on what are "healthy fats". For example coconut fat contains 92% of saturated fat and is considered a very healthy fat, also extra virgin olive oil is a very good source of healthy fat. Avocados and fish needs also to be mentioned. Fish especially which contains the very important Omega 3's and Omega 6's. And last but not least nuts, which also contain a good amount of healthy fats.

The fats that we consume every day from from vegetables and animals are needed fats. They give you the energy you need every day. Also they give you a variety of hormones, hormonelike substances and the building blocks we need for cell membranes. Also food which contains a certain amount of fat helps you to eat less because the fat is absorbed slower than the other components of your meals. Which means that you feel fuller sonner and feel fuller longer. Vitamins and minerals like K,A,D and E are also contained in fat and important for a healthy body.

I'm not trying to go against convential western medicine, or promote a high fat diet. There is an old adage "everything in moderation". And this is the key. Controll the amount of fat you eat. Make sure you are taking in fat that is from vegetable but aslo from animal sources. This will help your body to function normally.

Different cultures all over the world give us enough evidence to assume that a diet that contains saturated fat, the healthy types, actually helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Scientist found that Eskimos were virtually free of heart disease. Their study showed this was because of the amount of fat the Eskimos consumed from the fish which they ate.

You can take a look at the Mediterranean way of eating which again is a diet that is high in fats that are found in fish and olive oil. Most medical experts will even tell you that if you are looking for a way to eat, that will help you decrease the risk of multiple diseases, live longer and be healthy you should consider the Mediterranean way of eating.

For me it comes down to one point. Before you consider eliminating all fats from your diet, think about you current diet, current amount of fats, kinds of fat, and how you could improve your diet. My tip get your food from a healthy source and eat with moderation.