IF YOU DON'T, WHO WILL? GET PROACTIVE WITH YOUR BODY

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Facts about fat

The Skinny On Fats, Part II

I’ve read that originally, the term "doctor" was synonymous with "teacher." I subscribe to that interpretation and simply offer the information here in the spirit of helping you have the option to make wiser choices when it comes to your nutrition and ultimately your health. That said...here’s some additional data on the benefits of fats. Please keep in mind that I advise MODERATION in your consumption of fats.

Choosing natural fats supplies your body with a substance it NEEDS to function optimally. Just make sure you’re choosing natural fats and oils to supply essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are particularly important as they are easily digested and readily used by the body.

Did you know that EFAs positively affect your body by:

• promoting weight loss
  
  
• breaking down cholesterol
  
  
• lowering triglycerides
  
  
• keeping skin and hair healthy and youthful
  
  
• regulating blood pressure
  
  
• assisting in manufacturing hormones
  
  
• bolstering immunity
  
  
• promoting healthy blood, nerves, and arteries
  
  
• supporting proper brain, glandular, and nerve, thyroid and adrenal activity, and much more.........
  
  

A deficiency of EFAs is associated with

• gallstones
  
  
• irritability
  
  
• liver problems
  
  
• varicose veins
  
  
• infertility
  
  
• susceptibility to infections
  
  
• eczema and dry, scaly skin
  
  
• dry hair, and/or loss of hair
  
  
• nail problems.
  
  

Natural sources of EFAs include:

• flax seed (oil)
  
  
• olive oil
  
  
• almonds
  
  
• brazil nuts
  
  
• filberts
  
  
• pecans
  
  
• pine nuts
  
  
• walnuts
  
  
• raw dairy products
  
  
• lecithin granules
  
  
• fresh meat, poultry and fish
  
  
• range-free eggs
  
  
• dark green leafy vegetable
  
  
• Canola oil
  
  
• soybean oil
  
  
• pumpkin seed oil.
  
  

EFAs are extremely perishable and must come from fresh food sources. They can not be used in cooking as heat damages unsaturated oils. That is why, in my last column, I recommended butter and olive oil for cooking as these are heavier and can better withstand the heat.. EFAs should be kept in closed, dark containers since exposure to light and oxygen destroy the beneficial properties of natural fats and oils.

One of the best sources of EFAs is fresh, cold-pressed flax seed oil. It’s available in capsules for quick consumption. You’ll also find it in the refrigerator section of your grocery or health food store. Drizzle some flax seed oil on your salad; it’s tasty and nutritious. You may also choose to sprinkle raw flax seeds on salads, veggies, or into cereals.

Another interesting fact about EFAs is that they actually help your cholesterol level and I’ll tell you more about that next week. Thanks to all of you who have written. Please feel free to send in questions and topics you would like to see addressed here. Until next week, enjoy life and make healthy choices --- after all, if you don’t, who will?

Kate Jewell, ND has written articles, booklets and three CDs on health and nutrition. She has also lectured nationally and internationally. As a nutrition and lifestyle counselor, she offers to answer your questions. Please contact her at kate@sanjuanislander.com

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