The amazing benefits of eating fats

Fats occur naturally in food and they’re used to store energy in the body, insulate body tissues, cushion internal organs, and transport fat-soluble vitamins in the blood. Fats play in an important role in our food preparation by enhancing flavor and texture and conducting heat during cooking.

Trans fats have been shown to increase the risk factors for for coronary heart disease, but both saturated and unsaturated fats actually have many health benefits:

Brain
Fats help the brain by insulating the sheath that surrounds each nerve fiber. Our brains are made up of 60% fat, so a diet that’s too low in fat can actually deplete your brain of essential fatty acids. 

Hormones
Eat a greater portion of your calories from fat and you can achieve a more optimal body composition by supporting your hormonal balance of androgens, such as testosterone and estrogen, especially during exercise. 

Metabolism
Eating fewer carbohydrates and more healthy fats can support and even improve your metabolism. Fatty acids (the building blocks of fat) like Omega-3 turn on the genes that burn fat and they support the thyroid function which helps body fat regulation.

Immune system

Fats help your body absorb vitamins A, D, E and K, which can boost your immune system. Eating fewer carbohydrates and more good fats can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Saturated fats like butter and coconut oil play a large role in your white blood cells, which help fight viruses and bacteria, which in turn boost your immune system.

Skin
An obvious sign of fatty acid deficiency is dry, flaky skin. Fat enhances healthy skin - the subcutaneous layer of fat just below our skin acts as our body’s own insulation and helps to regulate body temperature.

So - fear not! Enjoy the good fats in moderation and enjoy life in abundance.