Understanding Fats
Good Sources of Sat Fats
Somethings are worth saying again – fat is good for us.
Two good sources of fat are saturated (animal) fat and omega-3 fats.
- Omega-3s – These are great for heart health. They protect against cardiovascular disease. They also helps to burn body fat. For good sources of omega-3s enjoy wild fish, avocado, olives, cod liver oil, Sacha Inchi oil, and nuts. I recommend you take supplements called EPA-DHA 720 by Metagenics www.DrJeffreyTucker.meta-ehealth.com
- Saturated Fats –These fats boost your immune system. They also help you to absorb calcium. Find it in grass-fed beef, raw milk, and raw butter.
You can find healthy sources of fat in these 9 foods:
- Organic butter
- Olive oil
- Nuts
- Raw milk
- Cold water wild fish
- Grass-fed beef
- Free-range chicken
- Eggs
- Avocadoes
Vegetable oils that you cook with are fats that are highly processed to extend their shelf lives. Saturated fats come from nature, trans fats are almost always man-made. Eliminate the trans fats, they are not essential fats; nor do they promote good health. Margarine is produced at high temperatures which destroys vitamin E, and other nutrients in the oil. The final product contains trans-fatty acids.
Trans-fatty acids increase inflammation in the body (colitis, arthritis, muscle and joint conditions).
I’m OK with butter. It does not contain trans fat. It’s also a good source of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin A, D, E and K. None of these essential vitamins are found in significant quantities in margarine.
Fats to Avoid
Bad fats are the omega-6s. They are needed for a balanced diet, but only in small amounts. You need a higher ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s in the foods you eat. You can avoid high levels of omega-6, by not eating grain-fed beef, processed foods, and vegetable oil. Avoid processed, packaged foods like potato chips, cookies, cakes, and bottled salad dressings.
Here’s a short list of foods which contain trans fats:
- Hardened Margarines and shortenings
- Bottled salad dressings
- Mayonnaise
- Fried fast foods
- Corn chips
- French fries
- Fried meats like chicken and fish
- Baked goods including biscuits, breads, cakes, cookies and crackers