The Truth about Fat

It is a fact that most people have a number of misconceptions on fat. While most of us try to eat healthy and to follow all the latest advices on what is the correct diet for us. Did you ever ask yourself if this claims are really valid?

First, many doctors and other medical specialists have been touting for years that a fat, saturated fat, is responsible for heart disease. It is very important that we understand a diet high in fat is only a contributing factor, not the lone factor to the development of heart disease. We also need to address that there are some fats that our body actually needs to function properly. Yes, the body actually needs dietary fats to be healthy.

Each cell membrane is composed primarily of fat, which means that we need to consume a certain amount of fats for our cellular function to be normal. This does not mean that you run out and order the supersized BigMac meal. It means that you make a conscious effort to consume what is known as "healthy fats." A few of the healthy fats include coconut fat (which is 92% saturated fat, yet considered a very healthy fat), extra virgin olive oil (which is 71% monounsaturated, 16% saturated and 13% polyunstaturated), avocados (depending on where they are grown is 25% saturated, 60% monounsaturated and 15% polyunsaturated), fish (we have all heard about the importance of fish oil the Omega 3's and Omega 6's) and nuts.

We need a specific amount of fats every day. Vegetables and animals are our main sources for them. They provide us with energy but also with a variety of vitamins,minerals,hormones and the building blocks we beed for cell membranes. The amount of fat contained in food is also factor when it comes to the size of meals. Fat helps us with eating less because fats are absored slower than the other components of the food which means that we feel fuller sooner and fell fuller longer. Also fats contains different vitamins and minerals such as D, K, A and E which are necessary for our body to stay healthy.

I'm not trying to go against convential western medicine, or promote a high fat diet. There is an old adage "everything in moderation". And this is the key. Controll the amount of fat you eat. Make sure you are taking in fat that is from vegetable but aslo from animal sources. This will help your body to function normally.

Different cultures all over the world give us enough evidence to assume that a diet that contains saturated fat, the healthy types, actually helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Scientist found that Eskimos were virtually free of heart disease. Their study showed this was because of the amount of fat the Eskimos consumed from the fish which they ate.

You can take a look at the Mediterranean way of eating which again is a diet that is high in fats that are found in fish and olive oil. Most medical experts will even tell you that if you are looking for a way to eat, that will help you decrease the risk of multiple diseases, live longer and be healthy you should consider the Mediterranean way of eating.

The point is that before you decide to eliminate fat from your diet, consider the fats that you are consuming, get them from healthy sources and eat them in moderation.