For a long time we’ve been told that fat is bad for us. But not all fats were created equal and some of them are actually crucial to our health. Those contain chemicals called essential fatty acids which are important for our health, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. Taken the right amount, they can protect our heart, joints and skin. Since our body is not able to produce those fatty acids by itself, we need to get them into our body through food.
All About Balance
However, most people tend to consume too many Omega-6 fatty acids and not enough Omega-3, since the former is found in corn oil and other vegetable oils, which are cheap to produce and therefore used in a lot of (processed) western food. Omega-3 however is found in foods such as wild salmon, algae oils, brussel sprouts and others. Too much Omega-6 could cause damage and inflammation and increase blood pressure, whereas Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to numerous health benefits such as lower blood pressure and an improved immune system. A good ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is 1:4, ensuring that we still have enough Omega-6, but not at the expense of the Omega-3 fatty acids.
The Good The Bad And The Solid
The most unhealthy fats are trans fatty acids. These often come from vegetable oils and are chemically modified to be solid like butter, which also increases their lifespan. Therefore they are often used in processed foods such as packaged cookies and other baked goods sold in supermarkets for example. Good fats such as Omega-3 have to be absorbed via food or by adding supplements to your diet. However, they also naturally occur in foods such as walnuts and certain types of fish such as salmon but depending on your lifestyle it can be beneficial to top up your normal diet with supplements for additional benefits.
Above All: Exercise
Even after having adjusted your diet to include more healthy fats, let’s not forget the key ingredient to a healthy body and mind: exercise. Even a brisk 30 minute walk each day can help your body to stay in shape and make you feel better. Taking Omega-3 fish oil supplements of Norway can further help your muscles recover from exercise and with their positive impact of the immune system, you are ready to be outside all year round!
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/women/features/benefits-of-essential-fats-and-oils,
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/,
https://www.bulletproof.com/supplements/aminos-enzymes/omega-3-vs-omega-6-fat-supplements/
For a long time we’ve been told that fat is bad for us. But not all fats were created equal and some of them are actually crucial to our health. Those contain chemicals called essential fatty acids which are important for our health, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. Taken the right amount, they can protect our heart, joints and skin. Since our body is not able to produce those fatty acids by itself, we need to get them into our body through food.