When is FAT essential?

NEWSFLASH!

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Good fats do NOT make you fat! 

In fact, the ‘good’ fats play a major role in the body’s ability to burn fat and help to keep us slim!

In this post, I'll tell you why we need fat and how to incorporate the right fats into your diet.

Our brain is 60% fat!

Sadly, it's a common myth that avoiding all fat is the key to a healthy diet.

Learn the importance of essential fatty acids - omega 3, 6 & 9.

What are Essential Fatty Acids?

There are 2 essential fatty acids (EFA’s) required by every cell, tissue, gland and organ in the body in order to function normally.

·       Alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3)
·       Linoleic acid (Omega 6)

The body is unable to make Omega 3 and Omega 6, therefore a direct food source is always required.

Why do we need Essential Fatty Acids?

A deficiency or imbalance of EFA’s can lead to deterioration in every part of the body. Used in the right amounts and ratios, EFA’s will provide invaluable health benefits, some of which are listed below:

·        Supports glandular and organ function
·        Lubricates joints / prevents arthritis
·        Increases metabolic rate and energy levels
·        Decreases food cravings which can often be caused by missing nutrients
·        Helps to keep skin, hair and nails healthy (useful for treating eczema/psoriasis)
·        Increases energy levels and elevates mood
·        Reduces blood pressure and risk of blood clot formation
·        Enables the immune system to protect the body efficiently
·        Anti-inflammatory action
·        Improves memory and mental capacity

Choosing the right fats

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Omega 3 can be found in:
·        Flaxseeds
·        Green Leafy Vegetables
·        Cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, rainbow trout)

Omega 6 can be found in:
·        Sesame Seeds
·        Sunflower Seeds
·        Evening Primrose Oil

Essential fats are most abundant in seed oils. This is the easiest way to ensure we're receiving our intake, however, a lot of oils that we buy from the supermarket have been damaged during processing.

Healthy oils should be organic and low temperature pressed under protection from light, heat and oxygen.

Check for a blend of fresh, certified organic flax, sunflower and sesame oils (along with other ingredients) in order to provide a healthy ratio of Omega 3 and 6.

A good balanced oil is “Udo’s Oil”, available from most reputable Health Food shops.

Dosage

1 tablespoon per 50lb of body weight.

You can learn to love certain fats!

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments on introducing fat INTO your diet. How does it make you feel? Do you have mental blocks about it? Or do you already follow a diet rich in omega oils and have great tips to add?

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Love Gemma x

P.S. Find out more about the holistic treatments I offer at one of my clinics in Dubai here.