Fats help to provide us with energy. In the past, doctors had advised avoiding eating fats, but have now realized that some types are good for us. Along with energy, fat helps to insulate our organs, absorb vitamins, and help us feel fuller for longer.
There are three types of fat available through our diet: saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats. Of the three, saturated fats have been the main focus of research conducted to determine their benefits. So, is it safe to eat saturated fats?
What Are Saturated Fats?
On a scientific level, saturated fat is a fat molecule that does not have a double bond with carbon molecules as they are saturated with hydrogen. They are found in meats, dairy, and butter, and will often be solid at room temperature.
There are healthy and unhealthy food options when it comes to obtaining saturated fat. Some healthy selections include eggs, grass fed animals meats, dark chocolate, cheese, and coconut oil. On the other end of the spectrum, unhealthy options include deep-fried food, processed meat, and pre-packaged snacks.
Health Benefits of Saturated Fats
- Boosting Brain Health – Our brain contains a variety of fats, most of which is saturated fat. It helps our brain to grow and stay healthy. Consuming healthy foods that contain saturated fat is thought to improve your brain’s performance. Also, the fatty acids found in foods such as coconut oil can have a protective effect on the brain that may improve diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
- Improves Heart Health – Saturated fats contain lauric and stearic acid. This helps to manage your cholesterol, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
- Good for Your Bones – Saturated fat is a necessary component for helping your body absorb vitamin D and efficiently absorb calcium into your bones. Without these minerals, you could have reduced bone density and increase your risk for osteoporosis.
- Strengthens Your Immune System – Without saturated fatty acids in your white blood cells, your immune system doesn’t function as well. The lack of fat hinders the cell’s ability to recognize invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
- Messengers – Saturated fats help your body communicate with itself. The fats are a messenger to help with nerve signaling and direction for your glands and organs. If you don’t receive enough of these fats, your cells may communicate poorly, and it could have adverse effects on your health.
Maintaining good health is an important goal to strive for. A key feature of being able to do this involves learning what impacts your body and well-being. This information is one of the aspects covered in the holistic nutrition course at the Edison Institute of Nutrition. For your convenience, we also offer our nutrition courses online.
We are internationally recognized for our nutrition education program and offer our online courses globally for those interested around the world. These courses meet a variety of nutrition-related guidelines to help you establish and further your career.
To learn more about our courses and programs, as well as gain information about obtaining a Diploma in Holistic Nutrition, call the Edison Institute of Nutrition today at . You may also contact us online to speak with one of our educational advisors.
