SICK OF FAT

by Deborah English — January 15, 2008

Body fat, excess body fat, food fat, vegetable fat, animal fat, good fat, bad fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, hydrogenated fat, trans-fat, oxidized fat, fat reduced, low fat, stable fat, unstable fat, fatty acids...you-know-you've-got-to avoid-it-fat...you-know-you've-got-to-eat-it-fat. Are you sick of the headlines, the propaganda, the misinformation, the whole fat subject? Me too! So without further ado, and an end to confusing scientific words, let's get down to some fat health basics.

Why Eat Fat?

• Fat is a valuable source of nutrients - some which can't be supplied by other foods.
• Fat helps your body to metabolize nutrients in other food.
• Fat helps to keep your hormonal system balanced.
• Fat can be used by the body as fuel for energy.

Which Fat?

Obey the "golden rule" of great nutrition: stick to a diet rich in "whole foods." In other words; eat food which is as close to it's true natural state as possible. Healthy fats haven't been damaged by high heat and processing, nor have they been refined or pasteurized. Perfect fats come from organically grown or reared produce which is free from nasty chemicals, antibiotics, and steroids. They are fats which have been extracted mechanically rather than by using damaging solvents. Consequently, good fats are the fats which contain all of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they originated with.

The best source of fats is actually in the foods that contain them - such as avocados, nuts, seeds, coconuts, fish, fowl, dairy, and yes, even red meat! If you want get fat technical, read this article about the specific fats to eat, which to avoid, and how to use fats safely in food preparation.

How Much Fat?
It's the million dollar question! And the answer is inconclusive. The optimum fat consumption depends upon your age, life-style, and metabolic makeup. Both mainstream and so-called "alternative" Health Practitioners generally put the figure at between 10 - 30 percent of your diet. So, if you want to get your fat prescription down to an exact science, consult a Nutritionalist who leans towards an organic, whole-food perspective.