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You Are What You Eat: Don't forget the fats
Posted on Jul 22nd 2008 7:00AM by Martha EdwardsEach week, we'll be naming a Super Food and offering unique ways to use those Super Foods that pack nutritional power. After all, you are what you eat -- make it count!
From an early age, we're told that fat is bad for us. We count it, avoid it, cut it from our recipes and diets. We stay away from things that are deep-fried or covered in cream, just in an effort to lower our fat consumption. We're drawn to flashy labels that say 'low fat!' and 'fat free!' And why? We're told it's the enemy, causing a myriad of problems like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
But if you've been reading That's Fit for a while, you know it's not the enemy at all. In fact, it's an essential part of your diet.So why do you need fat?
The thing is, your body needs fat because it's partially made of fat. Yeah, I know what you're thinking -- the fat is all in your butt and thighs -- but that's simply not true. To say that your brain is mostly fat is not an insult -- it's true. Your brain is composed of 60% fats. And that thing that keeps your blood pumping, the heart? 60% of its energy comes from burning fats. Your nerves? They're protected by -- you guessed it -- fats. You can read lots more fat facts by clicking here.
But are all fats created equal?
Fats are a complex thing, and there's more than one kind of fat. In fact, there's three:
Here's a question: Which fat is the bad one: Saturated, mono, or poly? The answer is none of the above. The only fat that's bad for you is the one that is damaged of manipulated by heat, light or oxygen, such as trans fats. Poly-unsaturated fats are the most fragile of fats, so they're not good for cooking; Instead, cook with mono or saturated fats.
So where can you get healthy fats?
Healthy fats are all around us. Lean meats, poultry and dairy products are good sources of saturated fats and in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. Saturated fats can also be found in coconut. Mono-saturated fats can be found in avocados, olive oil and nuts.
And as for those essential fatty acids? Load up on these things:
Want more info on the fats you should be eating? Check out AOL Health's guide to fats.
From an early age, we're told that fat is bad for us. We count it, avoid it, cut it from our recipes and diets. We stay away from things that are deep-fried or covered in cream, just in an effort to lower our fat consumption. We're drawn to flashy labels that say 'low fat!' and 'fat free!' And why? We're told it's the enemy, causing a myriad of problems like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
But if you've been reading That's Fit for a while, you know it's not the enemy at all. In fact, it's an essential part of your diet.So why do you need fat?
The thing is, your body needs fat because it's partially made of fat. Yeah, I know what you're thinking -- the fat is all in your butt and thighs -- but that's simply not true. To say that your brain is mostly fat is not an insult -- it's true. Your brain is composed of 60% fats. And that thing that keeps your blood pumping, the heart? 60% of its energy comes from burning fats. Your nerves? They're protected by -- you guessed it -- fats. You can read lots more fat facts by clicking here.
But are all fats created equal?
Fats are a complex thing, and there's more than one kind of fat. In fact, there's three:
- Saturated Fats,
- Mono-unsaturated fats,
- Poly-unsaturated fats, including omega 3 and omega 6. Also known as the Essential Fatty Acids.
Here's a question: Which fat is the bad one: Saturated, mono, or poly? The answer is none of the above. The only fat that's bad for you is the one that is damaged of manipulated by heat, light or oxygen, such as trans fats. Poly-unsaturated fats are the most fragile of fats, so they're not good for cooking; Instead, cook with mono or saturated fats.
So where can you get healthy fats?
Healthy fats are all around us. Lean meats, poultry and dairy products are good sources of saturated fats and in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. Saturated fats can also be found in coconut. Mono-saturated fats can be found in avocados, olive oil and nuts.
And as for those essential fatty acids? Load up on these things:
- Cold water fish
- Flax seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Vegetable oils
- Margarine.
Want more info on the fats you should be eating? Check out AOL Health's guide to fats.
