Bad fats, good fats and why we need them

Bad fats, good fats and why we need them

If you’ve ever been on a diet, you may be under the illusion that fats are categorically bad for you. In fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth. According to the NHS, we need a small amount of fat in order to obtain essential fatty acids. These are compounds that the body is unable to produce. Vitamins A, D and E are all soluble so without consuming some fat we will be deficient in these vitamins. However, it is true that excess dietary fat will be converted to body fat. This is also true of carbohydrate and protein, so it’s all about balance.

The difference between saturated and unsaturated fats

In very basic terms, saturated and trans fats are bad, unsaturated fats are good. Saturated fats are found in many of the foods we eat including meat, dairy, palm oil and coconut oil. Most of us eat too much saturated fat, which the body converts to cholesterol in the liver. Trans fats are found in meat, dairy and hydrogenated vegetable oil and can also raise cholesterol. However, most of us do not consume an excess of trans fats so the focus tends to be on lowering levels of saturated fat in the diet.

Cholesterol is healthy and essential to the body. However, An excess of a certain type of cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can lead to health problems including heart attacks and strokes.

The fat swap

To reduce the risk of health issues associated with a diet high in saturated fats, it is sensible to swap to unsaturated fats. This can help to lower your cholesterol levels. Unsaturated fats exist in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated forms.

Monounsaturated fats can raise good cholesterol levels and lower bad cholesterol. They can be found in olive and rapeseed oil, avocado and some nuts. Polyunsaturated fats also lower the level of bad cholesterol, and are also know as omega-6 and omega-3, or essential fatty acids. This is because the body can’t make them, so it is essential we consume them in small amounts.

Omega-3 and Omega-6

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Omega-6 is present in rapeseed, corn and sunflower oils and some nuts. Omega-3 can be found in oily fish. The NHS advise consuming two portions of fish each week, one of which is oily fish. However, there is another option. Our Essential Fatty Acid Complex is suitable for vegans.

It includes Linoleic Acid, Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Monounsaturated fats. Because these, and all our supplements, are made from real food, your body can absorb and use their active ingredients more efficiently.

Taking our Essential Fatty Acid supplements may help with optimum energy production, skin health, cell membrane health, brain function and the immune system.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is not intended to replace orthodox medical treatment. The information offered in this document is offered as additional complimentary information.

© Wise Owl Health. Please feel free to share this article, but all website links to wiseowlhealth.com must be included.

Benefits of Multivitamins

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Even slight vitamin & mineral deficiencies can cause a wealth of health issues. In a world where our soil is between 55 & 85% less nutrient dense than it was 60 years ago, supplements can have a hugely positive effect on your day to day health.

Vitamins & minerals have an important role to play in maintaining your well-being. Wise Owl’s whole food Multivitamins & Minerals have been specifically formulated to help your body obtain the optimal balance of nutrients with excellent absorption & utilisation.

Not only do we need each individual vitamin/mineral, but they also work synergistically, so rely on each other to enable them to be absorbed/utilised. For example, the body absorbs iron through the help of vitamin C.

Wise Owl’s Multivitamins & Minerals are truly natural ‘food state’ supplements – made using whole foods, the way nature intended.

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