Believe it or not, a healthy body needs fats. Fats should be consumed in the right quantity and quality, but it can be difficult to determine the right type and amount. Overeating the wrong fat increases your chances of getting health problems. You cannot function optimally if you do not consume the right kind of fats. It is important to make the right choices when it comes to dietary fats to promote long-term health and wellbeing.
There are a number of functions that fat plays in the body, including regulating body temperature; protecting internal organs from damage, and transporting fat-soluble vitamins. They are also a source of energy, however what isn’t used as energy will be stored as fat. The human body is made up of fat in every cell membrane, organ, and tissue, but not every fat is the same, and different types affect our health in different ways:
Saturated Fats
Saturated Fats are usually solid at room temperature and are mainly found in animal products such as meats and dairy foods. Vegetable oils such as coconut and palm oil contain saturated fats.
High saturated fat intake is associated with a higher risk of Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, and some chronic health issues.
Unsaturated Fats
Unsaturated Fats are usually solid at room temperature and are mainly found in animal products such as meats and dairy foods. Vegetable oils such as coconut and palm oil contain saturated fats.
High saturated fat intake is associated with a higher risk of Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, and some chronic health issues.
Trans / Hydrogenated Fats
Trans / Hydrogenated Fats are scientifically linked to many obesity related illnesses and diseases and as a result Trans fats have been banned in several countries and states across the world. They are still present in many fast food products and cakes, they should be avoided whenever possible.
The Essential Fatty Acid’s (EFA’s) are divided into two sub groups Omega 3 and Omega 6. Alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3) and Linoleic acid (Omega 6) are starting materials for the body to produce other EFA’s such as the more commonly known EPA and DHA Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils, and GLA Omega 6 fatty acid found in Evening Primrose. These are in turn converted by the body into hormone-like substances called prostaglandins needed for many normal body functions.
We need around four times more Omega 3 than Omega 6 to maintain the correct balance of EFA’s in our body. Unfortunately, our diet usually contains more Omega 6’s than Omega 3’s.
A deficiency or an imbalance in the ratio of the Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can impact on health. As a result, the body is unable to convert the EFAs into forms it needs to function properly.
An example is the role EFAs play in the function of blood clotting.
The Omega 3
The Omega 3 fatty acids are involved in body processes to keep blood fats from becoming too sticky, this is why Omega 3 fatty acids are associated with helping to prevent heart disease. Conversely Omega 6 fatty acids are involved in the blood clotting response which stops us bleeding to death. The balance between the two is essential for normal blood clotting.
Omega 9 fatty acids are most commonly found in olive oil and can be referred to as Oleic acid, these fatty acids are monounsaturated
‘Prostaglandins’ – Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances made in the body from essential fatty acids. These hormones influence many key functions, including brain function, hormonal balance, skin health, controlling inflammation, reducing blood viscosity which improves oxygen and nutrient delivery, and aerobic metabolism.
Understanding the differences between good fats and bad fats is the key to making better food choices that support your heart health and weight management while reducing your risk for chronic disease. Make sure you stay away from foods high in saturated or trans fats by checking food labels. Consume less than 10 percent of your daily calories from saturated fats and replace them with unsaturated fats whenever possible. Avoid trans fats in your diet.
If you’re having difficulty figuring out what you need, please do not hesitate to ask for further help or buying online DHA Algae Omega-3 can be a quick and easy way to save your money with our simple guide.
