I have told you all before that fat is essential to everyone’s daily intake. I recently read an article by Paul Chek, an expert on holistic health, about fats and oils. I’d like to summarize some of the information.

Saturated fats come from animal products. Coconut oil is 92% saturated fat and palm oil is 50% saturated fat. Protein and fats work together to give our sells integrity. Saturated fat also is needed for bone health. Calcium cannot be effectively incorporated into our bones without at least 50% of our dietary fat made up of saturated fat. We need saturated fats to utilize essential fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are best retained in our tissues due to saturated fats.

Cholesterol is important in rebuilding cell walls. When you have inflammation, your body makes cholesterol to help itself repair. You also need cholesterol for the manufacture of hormones called corticosteroids. They help us deal with stress. Estrogen and testosterone are also made from cholesterol. Cholesterol acts as an antioxidant and protects us from free radicals. Cholesterol is needed to ensure proper function of serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin deficiencies is a cause of depression and suicidal tendencies.

There are two categories for unsaturated fats: polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids fall under the category of polyunsaturated fats. The body does not and cannot make O-3 FA or O-6 FA. We need them for energy production, oxygen transfer, hemoglobin production, muscle recover, growth and cell division, and immune function. Good sources are leafy greens, oily fish, free-range eggs, walnuts, flax seeds, flax seed oil.

The best dietary fats come from organic plants and animals. Organic means raised without chemicals or growth hormones. The body stores toxins in fat, so when we consume commercially-raised animals, the liver has to break down all those toxins. It pushes the excess into our fat cells. Some of the FDA approved supplements for commercial animal feed include substances like cardboard, newspaper, woodchips, cement dust, and manure. We eat these toxins in commercially-raised animals.

Fats that are good to consume include: organic, free-range animal meats and fats; fish; organic, free-range eggs; raw nuts; avacados; cold-pressed, unfiltered organic olive oil; raw butter; coconut oil or butter; pumpkin seed oil; flax seed oil; cod liver oil; palm oil – good for cooking at high heat.

Fats to avoid include: hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils; canola oil; soy oil; corn, safflower, cottonseed and sunflower oils; peanut and sesame oils.

in great health and happiness

Scott White
Personal Power Training
Professional Fitness Trainer
Optimal Performance Exercise Kinesiologist
480-628-1607
swhite@personalpowertraining.net

www.personalpowertraining.net