Fats can be confusing for anybody, especially someone just starting out with a diet. In fitness and nutrition, fats seem to get an undeserved faulty reputation as a food that should only be eaten in tiny amounts and not at all. But there are benefits to healthy fats and here are just some of them!
Good fats vs bad fats
Your diet does not solely affect your physical health; it also influences your mental health. There are many omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that the body needs for brain function, and the most important is DHA or docosahexaenoic acid, which is vital for good brain development. Trans fats are unhealthy fats that are consumed in significant amounts found in fast foods and do not promote long-term health.
Benefits of healthy fat in your diet
There are many benefits to a diet that includes healthy fats, and it helps to keep the immune system strong, prevents heart disease, and reduces the risk for type 2 diabetes. When you don't get enough healthy fat in your diet, it can lead to inflammation and obesity.
The Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that is beneficial to one's health. Omega-3s can also reduce cholesterol levels and aid individuals suffering from depression. These nutrients are primarily found in fish such as salmon, but can also be found in hemp hearts and other foods.
What happens when you don't get enough fat?
A lack of fat can have severe consequences. It can lead to hunger, high cholesterol levels, weak muscles, foggy brain, irritability, and more. What's even more concerning is that as the body starts siphoning off fat from the organs to use it as energy- which can clog arteries and have detrimental consequences.
How to enjoy healthy fats
So, are fats good for you? The answer is an emphatic yes! As we mentioned before, you need to make sure that you eat healthy fat instead of having all sugars and empty carbohydrates in your diet. But just because fat is now okay doesn't mean you can go back to eating a ton of bacon, butter, fried food, and other tasty but unhealthy snacks. That's the beauty of fatty acids; they contain the healthiest type of fats for your body.
Conclusion
It might seem counterintuitive not to limit fats in your diet - since they are so energy-dense and high in cholesterol. Yet fats are one of the essential macronutrients needed, and fats also play a crucial role in normal growth and your whole healthy lifestyle.
As always, these are our opinions on how to be healthier. Those who make changes to health and exercise should always consult with a healthcare professional.