Of course, the true tests are the cultures who eat fat regularly and thrive with good health. Eskimos, Chinese and certainly the French
load their diets with animal fats and saturated fats. However, they tend to have low incidence of heart disease and diabetes.
Sugar (or processed foods that the break down into sugar), on the other hand, gets
converted to fat. That is SAD (Standard American Diet) part of our culture that is loaded with carbohydrates.
Let's talk about some good fats. Coconut oil is one of my favorites. While nearly all saturated fats are considered long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), coconut oil consists of medium-chained fatty acids (MCFA) that not only have no negative effect on cholesterol, they can actually lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. MCFA are also one of the most readily available fats that our bodies can utilize. Our livers are able to break these fats down fairly quickly so our bodies can use them as energy instead of storing them in our fat cells. This is what makes coconut oil burn fat by increasing your metabolism and one reason that makes it so great for us. Yup, coconut oil may help us lose weight and curb heart disease. It's no wonder that this oil is touted by the Victoria's Secret models Miranda Kerr and Giselle Bundchen as their beauty secret! Just make sure you buy unprocessed, virgin coconut oil. I use lots every day.
Butter, yes butter, is also better than vegetable oils, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Again, look at history. Animal fats have been around for hundreds of years in the American diet with low rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. In fact, butter helps supply our bodies with essential fatty acids, helps maintain hormonal balance, keeps arteries supple and flexible due to its lauric acid content, provides source of vitamins K, D and E, contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals, assists in building muscle and boosting immune system.
Need I say more? Don't be afraid to use butter, but quality matters. At the very least, always buy organic. The best butter is organic that comes from grass fed cows and has not been pasteurized. Check out a great source for this better butter that I order from frequently at www.USWellness.com. They are also a great source of animal fat in the form of red meat. Yes, lean red meat is fine for you as long as it is from grass fed animals and certified organic.
Now that you have the Fat Facts, fear no more. Eat fats to LOSE weight. Just remember, quality is the key and be sure to incorporate these good essential fats into your daily diet.
In fact, prove it to yourself in your own study. If you're ready to shed off some of your summer baggage, take advantage of the Fall 2014 Official Health Coach Detox which uses the low-carb, fat-rich diet and cleanse approach.