5 surprising health benefits of fats

Scientific studies now show that there are many benefits to fats, and it's time we rethink fats and our diets.

For many years, fat was thought to be the cause of high cholesterol, heart disease, and obesity. But scientific studies now show that there are many benefits to fat, and it's time we rethink fat and our diets.

Dr. David Perlmutter described our ancestors' diets as consisting of 75% fat, 20% protein, and 5% carbs, compared to our current diets of 60% carbs, 20% protein, and 20% fat.

Dr. Perlmutter also explained that changing diets are contributing to several health problems today, including Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, and chronic headaches related to inflammation in the body caused by carbs.

Other studies tell us that obesity has doubled in the last 50 years, not because we eat too much fat, but because we consume too many carbs and sugars, even the sugars found in fruits and juices.

Excess glucose is metabolized in the body and stored as fat. Gary Taubes, in his book *Why We Get Fat*, stated that "If the world had never invented cigarettes, lung cancer would be a rare disease. Similarly, if we didn't eat high-carb diets, obesity would be a rare disease."

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Therefore, fat is not the culprit behind obesity as you might think. In fact:

1. Fats are essential for brain health.

Did you know that brain tissue is made up of nearly 60% fat? A low-fat diet will prevent your brain from functioning effectively.

We've spent years avoiding essential fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and certain saturated fats that play a vital role in brain health, including naturally occurring animal fats.

Essential vitamins like A, D, E, and K are not water-soluble and require fat to be transported and absorbed by the body. These are crucial vitamins for brain health and many of our vital organs.

Vitamin D is a crucial factor in reducing susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, and other brain disorders, while omega-3 fatty acids enhance cognitive function and improve your mood.

2. Fat helps the lungs function properly.

Our lungs are covered in a surfactant that is largely composed of saturated fats. Premature babies are often given supplemental surfactant to help keep their lungs functioning properly.

Without enough saturated fat, our lungs can be damaged. Some studies are now showing a link between low saturated fat consumption and asthma as a consequence of the breakdown of this fat layer.

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3. Fats help boost your immune system.

In their book, "Good Calories, Bad Calories," Dr. Michael and Dr. Mary Eades wrote about the role of saturated fats found in avocados and coconut oil in immune health, stating that "a lack of saturated fatty acids in white blood cells will hinder their ability to recognize and destroy viruses, bacteria, and fungi."

4. Fats help keep skin healthy.

Fat makes up a large portion of cell membranes, and our skin is composed of a vast number of these membranes. If the body doesn't consume the proper amount of fat, our skin can become dry and cracked, potentially making us more susceptible to infection.

5. Fats are good for your heart.

Numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate the benefits of eating saturated fats and the fats we've been advised to avoid for the past 50 years. One particular study focused on a population in the Pacific Islands – those who consumed 60% of their fat in the form of saturated coconut oil did not develop heart disease.

Additionally, fat provides twice the energy of carbs—9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram. Therefore, fat not only sustains your energy for a longer period, but it will also help you eat less because it keeps you feeling full for longer.

However, you should steer clear of trans fats, which are harmful by adding hydrogen atoms to saturated fats during the heating process.

Therefore, you should include walnuts, salmon, olive oil, avocado, or a little coconut oil in your morning snack. Start changing your diet today and incorporate these healthy fats into your diet.

According to Alobacsi.vn