A deficiency of healthy fat runs prevalent throughout the modern day North American diet with the majority of people consuming too many of the detrimental bad fats including saturated fats in meat and dairy, and processed polyunsaturated fats or hydrogenated trans-fat from cooking oil and margarine used in processed foods. Consuming too many of these and not enough of the good fats contribute to stroke, heart attack, chronic inflammation, cognitive impairment, allergy, auto immune diseases and ultimately premature death.

Consuming a sufficient amount of fat in the right forms and proper proportions can strengthen the immune system, enhance brain  and nervous system function such as mood, intelligence and behavior, greatly reduce cardiovascular disease, increase energy and performance, grow healthy skin, hair, and nails, regulate body weight, and improve organ  and gland function.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are the two essential fatty acids (EFAs), essential meaning that the body cannot produce them-they must be ingested, by eating foods rich in EFA.  EFAs are a type of fat known as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and an important dietary component of overall health. Lending support to the healthy function of the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems, they also play an integral role in promoting cell health.

Excellent sources of omega-3 to help restore the natural balance are flaxseed and hemp oil as well as walnuts.

HARD TO GET GLA

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) - is a difficult to attain omega-6 EFA with potent anti-inflammatory properties via production of hormone-like substances called eicosanoids. These help soothe skin, promote healing and regulate water loss. GLA's anti-inflammatory properties expand blood vessels enabling better blood flow.  It is known as an immune booster, cancer fighter, cholesterol reducer, arthritis reliever and supple, beautiful skin.  Evening primrose, borage and hemp seed oils are the best sources of GLA. Hemp oil is a good alternative as a base for salad dressings.

CRACK OPEN A COCONUT

Another healthy yet under-rated fat are Medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, found in large amounts in coconut oil.  They are unique in that they are a form of saturated fat, yet have many health benefits. MCTs are converted by the liver to energy which make it an excellent source of energy during an intense workout or race.  It has also been shown to promote heart health, a strong immune system, a healthy metabolism, weight loss and youthful skin.

PHYTONUTRIENTS

Healthy fats like raw unprocessed plant based oils also carry hundreds of phytonutrients such as chlorophyll, phytosterols, carotenoids, lignans (phytoestrogens),  tocopherols, tocotrienols, flavonoids (polyphenols) among others.  Flax oil, for instance, when extracted properly can retain high levels of cancer fighting lignans while hemp oil is rich in many phytonutients, in particular receiving a lot of attention for its high levels of immune boosting, alkalinizing, and cleansing chlorophyll.

ANTIOXIDANTS