Fats, unfortunately, have generated a devilish persona, especially in the media, not only this, but it seems that eradicating fats to some people appears to be an actual good idea.
Refined sources yes, natural sources no! No! No! No!
I guess the general population can be forgiven because we have low fat marketed products rammed down our throats as an actual viable healthy alternative to eating actual fats.
If you are not a health coach, then how are you supposed to know? well, you’re not… Ching ching low-fat product producers.
Let me put it as simple as this, how can removing natural healthy nutritional components from food and replacing it with sugar be healthy in any way or shape or form?
Exactly, it can’t.
Fats (natural unrefined) are as important as the other two main macronutrients (protein and carbohydrates). In fact, the body requires essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6).
The ‘Fat is Not the Enemy’ >>>> https://www.fitpeeps.co.uk/2018/12/06/fat-is-not-the-enemy-sugar-is-the-enemy/ <<<< blog will tie in with this blog really well.
Fats yield more (9kcals) calories than protein (4kcals) and carbohydrates (4kcals), therefore it is far easier to exceed ones macro requirements by having that 10g extra of cheddar cheese or that extra drizzle of olive oil, so of course mindfulness is always important, if these hidden calories are controlled and structured, excessive weight gain would not be a problem due to hidden calories, and an understanding of foods with high-fat content will actually help with weight management and general health.
Saying that, it’s not very often that this is the case, the leader for excessive weight gain is near enough always sugar and poor lifestyle habits.
Now, to the large matter of trans fats, now, trans fats are not to be associated with natural sources of fat.
Trans fats ARE incredibly bad for us and should 100% be avoided.
Why?
Because trans fats are a result of consumers attempting to make their products appear more healthy by chemically altering unsaturated oils by adding hydrogen (hydrogenation).
This process involves oils and metal particles being exposed to hydrogen gas at extremely high temperatures. Emulsifiers and starch are added to improve the consistency: because the resulting matter stinks, it is once again exposed to high temperatures for cleansing. Thus, the trans fatty acid is created, which to some extent is chemically unrecognised by the body and results in decreasing HDL’s (good cholesterol) and increasing LDL’s (bad cholesterol) increasing the onset of cardiovascular-related diseases.
Ouchy.
To the big picture, consumption of whole foods and minimally processed sh…rubbish is always the winner winner chicken dinner… and some veggies, a good carb source and some healthy fats.
7 benefits of fats for your health, confidence and body composition:
- Better fat burning and muscle building potential as fats support hormone balance.
- Suppress’ hunger
- Better reproductive health.
- Better brain function
- Stronger immune system
- Better cholesterol ratios with a reduced risk of heart disease (High blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis)
- Better skin and eye health
Now you know why trans fats are bad for you and they are not to be confused with natural sources of fat, and you now know 7 benefits of fat, hopefully, this provides some clarity to the fight fire with fire strategy (eat fat to lose fat) when it comes to improving body composition.
Fats are not the enemy, excess sugar and chemically processed fats (trans fats) are the enemy.