NO, consuming fats doesn’t mean that you will get fat. 

Fats and oils are crucial for optimal health. When I say fats I mean high-quality fats and oils that your body can utilise to build cells and manufacture key hormones. It’s important to realise YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. 

What Are Essential Fats? 

Essential fatty acids known as EFA’s are fats that our body can’t manufacture. This means we must acquire them from dietary sources. These EFA’S fall into two groups which are omega-3’s and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 EFAs are most commonly found in oils such as corn oil and sunflower oil. Additionally, they can be found in grain products and Meats too. 

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are found in leafy green vegetables, oily fish, and free-range eggs. Small quantities are also found in walnuts and animal meats.  

Based on research the ideal ratio of omega-3: omega-6 fatty acids in your diet is 1:4. If you didn’t know this already Omega 3’s are vital for the development, maintenance, and repair of your brain and nervous system. Furthermore, there are many disorders, behavioural issues, and health issues associated with an imbalanced ratio between omega 3’s and omega 6 fatty acids. These issues range from cancer, diabetes, depression, arthritis, inflammatory disorders, and heart attacks. 

 Saturated Fats

Another great source of fats for most people can come in the form of lard, beef, pork, butter, chicken, lamb, goat, venison, etc. These fats are all fine providing they are from well-maintained animals (ideally certified organic) without the methods of commercial farming. 

 Other great sources of Fats to Include in Your Diet 

  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil/butter
  • Palm oil
  • Butter (unpasteurised is best)
  • Ghee (clarified butter)
  • Organic, grass-fed animal fats such as lard.
  • Fish oil (source a high quality one)
  • Seeds (especially flax and chia)
  • Nuts (raw, organic)
  • Avocados

Fats to Avoid 

  • Margarine (margarine is one molecule away from plastic).
  • Sources of meat from commercially farms (typically what you see at most of the supermarkets). 

Ultimately the amount of fats you consume is going to depend on your metabolic type and various other factors. However, this blog will certainly steer you in the right direction. 

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