If you have tried to stay away from fat on account of trying to lose weight or because you were always told that low fat was the way to go, you’ll be happy to know things have changed a little.
In fact, a certain amount of dietary fat is essential to help promote proper digestion and brain function, to aid in elimination and to help you have glowing healthy skin.
Let’s dig deeper into the importance of consuming plant sources of fat and what they can do for you.
The oily quality of fat is a huge benefit to digestive health. The digestive tract is made up of a lining mucus which plays a role in helping move food through the tract to be absorbed and eliminated. At the root of many digestive problems is the poor functionality of the mucus, and fat in the diet can help compensate for this. Furthermore, fat is very nourishing for the digestive tract. It is rich in nutrients which are important for healing, and many common digestive problems can be due to a damaged digestive tract that has become permeable and is able to leak digestive enzymes and party digested food. This can lead o symptoms such as gas, bloating, constipation, and eventually, impaired digestion.
Contain Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are the fats that we need to consume that our body cannot make. These are broken down in the body and go on to make prostaglandins, a hormone like substance that interacts throughout the body systems. One of these classes of prostaglandins helps fight inflammation. Failure to consume enough EFAs however, means the body will not make these prostaglandins, or it will instead use EFAs to make prostaglandins that promote instead of inhibit inflammation. Ground flaxseed and flax oil, as well as hemp seeds and hemp oil are two rich sources of these anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Boost Brain Function
You have likely heard of consuming fats to help with focus and attention, reduce brain fog and improve concentration, especially with the popularity of the ketogenic diet over the past several months. EFAS are essential for healthy brain function, as our brain is composed of a significant amount of fat and the fat is important for insulation and to help in signalling. In addition, the brain uses some of the EFAs to build certain hormones messenger pathways within the body.
Improve the Immune System
The winter weather is settling in and it makes for an important time to boost your immunity. And while this happens partly by increasing Vitamin C intake, an important player in boosting immune health is the consumption of healthy fats. Consuming essential fatty acids and healthy saturated fats, give the body the nutrients and materials it needs to rebuild and support immune cells. These cells are critical for a healthy functioning immune system and the body’s ability to fight off disease,
If you were on the fence about fat, hopefully now you can see the amazing benefits of this macronutrient. Increase your intake of plant-based fats today and feel your energy increase, skin improve and digestion become better than ever before.
By: Laura Peill, RHN, BScH