HEALTHY FATS IN HUMAN WELLBEING
Amidst our basic understanding of the pivotal function of proteins and carbohydrates, one essential nutrient often slips under the radar: healthy fats. The misplaced fear, often resulting from the ‘fat-free’ diet trend of the 90s and early 2000s, left a lingering prejudice against all types of fat. However, it’s high time we debunk this myth and shed light on the healthful properties of ‘good fats’ that support our daily bodily functions.
Regrettably, the prevailing mantra of “fat equals bad” has led many of us astray. It’s crucial to distinguish between harmful saturated and trans fats (found in bacon, deep-fried chips, cheese, and fast foods) and healthy fats, which are essential to numerous bodily functions.
Functions of Healthy Fats in the Body:
Healthy fats perform multiple indispensable, life-giving roles in the body. Intriguingly, some hormones, our body’s chemical messengers, are even composed of fats.
These beneficial fats exhibit potent anti-inflammatory properties, crucial for maintaining homeostasis – the state of optimal balance and seamless functionality.
Their myriad roles encompass, but aren’t confined to:
β Regulating body temperature
β Insulating vital organs with adipose tissue (fat cells)
β Assisting in waste elimination and destroying harmful bacteria
β Facilitating absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and K
Procuring Healthy Fats
Our bodies can’t synthesize essential fatty acids inherent in healthy fats, and therefore, we must derive them from our diets. Prime sources of healthy fats include avocados, fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, etc.), nuts, and surprisingly, SEEDS.
The Powerhouse of Healthy Fats: Seeds
One might not instinctively reach for a handful of seeds when seeking healthy fats, but their contribution to your daily intake is impressively substantial.
Chia seeds and hemp seeds are amongst my top seed-based sources of healthy fats. They not only provide beneficial fats but are also rich in protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, thereby significantly enhancing the nutritional profile of any meal they’re added to!
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An Insight into Chia and Hemp Seeds
These tiny nutrient powerhouses are laden with omega-3 and omega-6 fats, and they’re renowned for their health benefits ranging from rejuvenating dull skin to relieving joint pain.
How to Incorporate Chia and Hemp Seeds into Your Diet:
If you’re skeptical about chia pudding or the distinct flavor of hemp seeds, worry not – their versatility allows you to seamlessly incorporate them into your meals without significantly altering the flavor.
You can sprinkle them onto your smoothies or soups, blend them into salad dressings, or even bake them into your favorite cakes!
Conclusion
The value of healthy fats in our daily diet should not be understated. Their multifaceted roles significantly contribute to overall human wellbeing. By debunking myths and misconceptions around dietary fats, we pave the way towards a healthier and better-informed lifestyle.
Next time, when you reach out for that packet of chips, remember the more beneficial, nutritional alternatives that are just as available, if not more. Here’s to embracing a balanced, nutritious diet, one healthy fat at a time!
