Fats are good for your health! The GOOD fats, that is. Yes, even the good saturated fats. They have been villainized for far too long! Fats are vital for your body. They are its primary long-burning fuel, are critical in cellular structures and hormone precursors, and they regulate normal metabolism.
Chemically speaking, a fatty acid is considered saturated when all available carbon bonds are occupied (saturated) by a hydrogen atom. Therefore, saturated fats are quite stable when exposed to high heat, light, and air and are not prone to oxidation (breaking down and becoming unstable). Oxidization causes the generation of free radicals, which makes the oil turn rancid and can cause cellular damage to the body. Oxidization happens more often in unsaturated oils.
Some important facts:
Know Your Saturated Fats:
Did you know??
FATS are solid at room temperature & OILS are liquid at room temperature. They both fall under the broad category of LIPIDS.
Saturated fats are often solid at room temperature. But, don't be fooled by margarine & shortening! They've been chemically altered and are very damaging to your health.
Some healthy saturated fats from tropical regions are liquid in summer and solid in winter (like coconut oil).
Some of the healthiest saturated fats include:
Many of these wonderful fats are from animal sources. These fats should ideally be from grass-fed, free range, organically raised animals. Plant sources should ideally come from sustainable, organic farms.
For a full list of the good & bad fats, please see my previous post:
THE SKINNY ON DIETARY FATS.
Jenny Yelle, MHNE Holistic Wellness Educator
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