Prior to World War 2, there was a widespread use of healthy saturated fats in foods such as butter, meat, coconut oil and cheese. But by the end of the ‘50s, these once-loved fats were being blamed for health problems like cholesterol, which in turn was held responsible for the increasing rate of heart disease. In place of eggs and coconut oil came vegetable oil, which was mistakenly labelled as a heart-healthy product.
Not only does quantity play a part here, but also the variety of the fat being consumed. While reducing your consumption of hydrogenated oils is necessary to minimise your risk of chronic diseases, other oils and fats are great for improving your health, such as cold pressed olive oil and meat. Although fat gets a bad reputation, it is actually a great source of energy for the body and is vital for fending off disease and helps the cells absorb nutrients.
Low-fat diets have been linked to weaker immune systems as well as lower calcium absorption than higher-fat diets. In fact, it has been suggested that such dietary habits are counterproductive to health, causing more problems than they solve. However, it is important for your health and immune system to stroke a healthy balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are vital for a healthy heart, reduced risk of cancer and inflammatory diseases. These can be found in sunflower, safflower and corn oils. Omega 3 has also been linked to lowered blood pressure, as well as a decreased risk of liver cancer, depression and dementia, thanks to its positive impact on the body.
The fats to avoid as part of a healthy diet are Trans fats which are deformed normal fat molecules – these should be avoided at all costs, as the body will use these molecules if it cannot find enough healthy fat, which can lead to major health problems such as heart disease. Trans fats are commonly found in junk food and baked products, from cakes, pizza and burgers to fried foods such as nuggets, taco shells and doughnuts.
The general rule is that while there are certain fats best avoided as part of a healthy diet, a low-fat diet is not as healthy as it first appears. The body requires fats in order to function properly so by choosing your food wisely, you can make a better informed decision and opt for foods and oils which will benefit your immune system and general wellbeing.