The word ‘Fat’ is a nightmare for many! Everyone wants to maintain a good shape and stay away from fats. Only if, it were that easy. Also, eliminating any form of nutrient completely can be dangerous in the long run. This might come as a surprise to you, fats can actually do you good. Nonetheless, there is a difference between the sources we derive our fats from, the good fats vs. the bad fats (fried and processed foods).
Why are fats important?
- Fats are a great source of energy.
- They keep our skin soft and bouncy.
- They provide essential vitamins and fatty acids, much needed for the functioning of the body.
Facts
- At a minimum almost 20-35% of our calories must come from fat dense foods. Above that, you become exposed to threats like arterial clogging.
- Fats are consumed almost unavoidably because of their ability to make you feel good and satiated. Fats are not wholly but just part of the reason why people are obese.
- Only overeating nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates and even alcohol, without being able to burn them off, leads to weight gain.
What’s good for you?
- Polyunsaturated fats obtained from nuts, seeds, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna.
- Oils like olive, coconut and peanut as opposed to butter are good for you. Have them generously in your meals.
- Eggs are one of the healthiest of fat sources.
- Rich in monounsaturated fat, avocados can be added to almost anything you want munch into.
- Dark chocolate can be a guilt free indulgence, being a source of antioxidant.
- Soymilk, Tofu and Cheese are also a great sources of protein and vitamins along with being high in fat content.
- Yogurt is incredibly good for your digestive health. It promotes production of good bacteria in the body.
Anushree Ghosh
