Evil monster, root cause of high blood cholesterol, heart disease and obesity – fat – justified not too long ago. It turned out that fat – this is by no means evil in its purest form, moreover, the beneficial properties of fats fully determine their inclusion in the daily diet. How so? Let's figure it out together with Estet-portal.
The fact is that the diet of our ancestors consisted of 75% fats, 20% proteins and 5% carbohydrates. Modern man consumes 60% carbohydrates, 20% proteins and 20% fat. Dr. Perlmutter – author of books on healthy eating – explains how many modern diseases, incl. Alzheimer's, ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic headaches are all linked to carbohydrate-induced inflammation in the body and brain.
Research shows that the cause of the obesity epidemic was not excessive consumption of fats, but of carbohydrates and sugar, including glucose found in fruits and juices. This is because the body converts excess glucose into fat. Therefore, fat is not so harmful as previously thought. On the contrary, there is scientific evidence for the benefits of fat:
- Benefits of fats for the brain
Brain tissue is approximately 60% fat. A low-fat diet deprives your brain of the material it needs to function properly. And it's not just the "promoted" essential fatty acids and omega-3 acids, which are full of headlines with calls to eat more salmon, avocados and nuts. Some saturated fats that have been advised to avoid for years, including natural animal fats, are also important for brain function.
Natural vitamins A, D, E and K do not dissolve in water. For their "transportation" and absorption by the body needs fat. And these vitamins are very important for the health of both the brain and many other vital organs. It is vitamin D that is considered the most important element that prevents brain diseases, and omega-3 acids improve cognitive functions and human mood.
- Benefits of fats for the lungs
Our lungs are covered in a substance that is almost entirely saturated fat. Without the amount of saturated fat that this organ needs, the lungs are under attack.
- Benefits of fats for the immune system
Saturated fats, found in regular and coconut oils, play an important role in immune system health. Lack of saturated fatty acids in white blood cells impairs their ability to recognize and destroy pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi.
- Benefits of fats for skin
Fat makes up the bulk of the cell membrane, and our skin is made up of a large number of cells. Without eating the right amount of fat, the skin can become dry and cracked, and the resulting cracks can become pathways for infection to enter the body.
- Heart health benefits of fats
There are many studies showing the benefits of eating saturated fats. For example, among the Pacific Islanders, whose diet consists of 60% of the saturated fats of coconut, there are practically no people with heart disease.
Besides this, fat – it is a better source of energy than carbohydrates (9 calories/gram compared to 4 calories/gram). That is why fat will not only provide you with the necessary amount of energy for a long time, but also keep you feeling full longer.
The health benefits of fats above do not apply to trans fats, which are formed by adding hydrogen atoms to saturated fats during the heating process. The only benefit of such fats is a longer shelf life of products.
Therefore, do not rush to exclude all fats from your diet: a handful of nuts, a slice of salmon, coconut oil – fat sources that should always be on your food list.
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