Fat.
How do you react to the word fat?
Uncomfortable? Distaste? Worried?
How about this reaction? CONFUSED
Don’t worry if you feel these things. You’re not alone.
Fat has been a major topic of conversation in health and disease management for decades. Through the years we have heard so much conflicting information about fat, who knows what to believe?
The misunderstanding about fat is just one example of confusing health and wellness news I clarify in my Wellness Conversations.
But for now, let’s stick with fat and get down to the nitty-gritty of fat what it really is.
Here it is. Drumroll please.
Dietary fat is an absolutely essential nutrient that can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. Depending on the kind of fat, that impact can be negative or hugely positive.
For years dietary fat was much maligned and smeared in the medical community as the cause of a multitude of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more. But current research is proving that this is not necessarily true.
In fact, many authors are talking about the phenomenon of needing healthful dietary fat to stay healthy and even to get thin.
Here’s the skinny: Your body NEEDS FAT.
Your brain and nervous system is primarily fat. We need fat for our cell membranes and to protect our vital organs. PLUS! We need fat to transport and absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. And there’s more! Many researchers are finding that having adequate fat from healthy sources can actually facilitate weight loss!
Mark Hyman M.D. is the Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and is an evangelist for eating functional foods to achieve optimal health. For a more complete list of fat myths, check out Dr. Hyman’s list of fat vs. fiction.
Isn’t it a relief to know that healthful fats can be satiating, comforting and indeed feed your brain and nourish your body?
So the next time you think about fat, think glowing skin, robust immune system, clear headed thinking and vibrant functioning.
Think good fat. Think “Fat – good”
P.S. Would you like to get more information about current wellness topics? I would love to include you in my Wellness Conversation. Click here to join me.
