{"id":14838,"date":"2016-10-24T17:47:27","date_gmt":"2016-10-24T17:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shawellness.com\/shamagazine\/shamagazine\/?p=14838"},"modified":"2023-10-11T15:23:17","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T13:23:17","slug":"why-healthy-fats-are-essential-for-optimum-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shawellness.com\/shamagazine\/en\/why-healthy-fats-are-essential-for-optimum-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Why healthy fats are essential for optimum health"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a common misconception that fats are bad for you<\/strong> and eating low-fat foods are a good substitute for both your health and your waistline. Unfortunately, the dieting industry has promoted low-fat foods as being healthy and good for weight-loss. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The myth behind fat has recently been unveiled by a New York Times<\/a> article stating that the sugar industry paid scientists in the 1960s to claim that fats were the leading cause of heart disease and not sugar.<\/strong> By shifting the blame on fats, they gained a negative reputation and people thought that fats made you fat.<\/p>\n

As a result, a false idea around fats arised, making people believe that they had to stay away from them.<\/strong> However, this common misconception is very misleading. Of course, it is important to distinguish good fats from bad fats. Monounsaturated<\/strong> and polyunsaturated fats<\/strong> are the good kind<\/strong> and trans<\/strong> and saturated fats<\/strong> are the ones you should stay away from. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Because fats gained such a negative reputation, low-fat foods gained popularity. Low-fat foods led people to believe they were a healthier alternative and didn\u2019t cause weight gain. What many people don\u2019t know about these so called low-fat foods is that they actually contain sugar and other artificial ingredients.<\/strong> And, as we\u2019ve learned, if there is anything that causes weight gain, it\u2019s sugar. Therefore, don\u2019t be fooled by low-fat foods!<\/p>\n

The functions of healthy fats<\/h4>\n

Healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) are a very important food group for optimal health.<\/strong> They are in charge of many essential functions<\/strong> that are required for everyday bodily processes.<\/p>\n

They are a source of energy<\/strong>
\nThey contain essential fatty acids responsible for growth and development of cell functions<\/strong>
\nThey are essential for brain health and nerve functioning<\/strong>
\nMaintaining healthy skin and tissues<\/strong>
\nTransporting fat-soluble vitamins (A,D, E and K) through the bloodstream to then be absorbed<\/strong>
\nForming steroid hormones important for bodily processes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

All these functions carried out by fats are vital for our health.<\/strong> Therefore, including healthy fats in our diet is of maximum importance.<\/p>\n

Foods rich in healthy fats:<\/h4>\n