Fats
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 1:32PM Fat – a word laden with negative connotations and stigmas in our country, YET it is absolutely necessary for our bodies to operate properly. As one of the three macronutrients (along with protein and carbs), it provides energy (aka calories) to the body, AND unlike its counterparts fat provides essential fatty acids, which are NOT made by the body and must be obtained from food. So, in spite of the dwindling fat-free craze you must imbibe these greasy friends in order to support the myriad of functions fat supports including:
- Absorption and movement of vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Inflammation control
- Blood clotting
- Brain development
- Healthy skin and hair
- Body insulation
- Providing energy and storage of extra calories
Good vs. Bad Fats
There has been much debate about which fats and how much to eat by various doctors and medical associations for years. The latest guideline from the American Medical Association is 25-30% of calories should be from fats. Very little should be from the “bad fats” – NO trans fats and about 10-15% from saturated fats. The remainder should be “good fats” known as unsaturated fats. See the list below for a snapshot of where your favorite fats fall. Like any rule, there are exceptions and one of our favorite things – BALANCE! If you never allow yourself the pleasure of a plump, juicy steak (for carnivores of course) or some whole milk ice cream (for the vegetarian folks) on occasion then you simply are NOT living. AND we recommend that over snarfing down gallons of fat-free frozen yogurt any day. Everything in moderation…including moderation.
*All foods are a combination of fats but they are broken down based on the predominant fat.
For more information on Good vs. Bad Fats please read what our friends at WebMed have to say. Remember this is a very Western perspective but will give you the fatty basics. Click here to read the article.
Be a Fat Myth-Buster – This article tells the truth!
Fat 