Dr. Mark Hyman, an expert on nutrition and specifically fats, has some advice for those looking to incorporate healthy fats into their diets. Writing on his blog, Dr. Hyman describes the right fats necessary for a healthy body.
On his blog, Hyman notes that fats have been “demonized” as being unhealthy. They have been portrayed as contributing to obesity, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease. Yet, he makes the point that we all have fat, usually between 15-30% of our bodies.
Fats contribute to an overall healthy body. Without them, we may experience problems such as:
- Achy joints
- Stiffness
- Dry skin that itches, flakes, or has scaling
- Problems with memory.
- ADD
- Diabetes
- Nails that are cracked or soft.
- Cancer
So where should we be getting fats?
Don’t look at foods that contain oils such as:
- Cottonseed
- Corn
- Soy
- Safflower
These are low-quality and don’t have nutrients like omega-3s that your body needs. Also, eating foods that are high processed and contain empty carbs is another dead-end.
Instead, look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These are fats that actually help your body, not hurt it. They help with preventing inflammation and have a positive impact on heart disease and cancer. They also can help those who struggle with mental illness, such as anxiety or depression.
Food to consider when looking for omega-3s include:
- Seeds and nuts
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Avocados
- Coconut oil
- Grass-fed meat and dairy products
- Fish that are fatty
Hyman points out that when you switch to eating a diet with these kinds of fats, you actually wind up losing weight. That’s because the cell walls in your body are better able to burn those foods rather than store them as fat in your body. They are also better able at absorbing the nutrients you need to be healthy.
Want to learn more about how the right fats can help you? Read the full article here: How Do I Know If I’m Eating Enough Healthy Fat?
