Most misunderstood food group is Fats. Most run from fats, fearing that they cause the weight gain, high cholesterol and heart disease. Fats aren't harmful, in fact that are essential to protein metabolism and mineral absorption. They are the primary fuel keeping the body warm, and provide a vital source of energy for the muscles. They also slow down the release of carbohydrates and keep the appetite satisfied for hours.

3 types of fats: Saturated, unsaturated, and transfats. Saturated fats, solid at room temp. are fount in meat, dairy, lard, beef tallow, coconut and palm kernel oils. Good source for energy for the body, insulate vital tissues against the cold, provide fat-soluble vitamins and enhance the immune system. The problem related to saturated fats has more to do with their excess consumption than the fats themselves.

Two types of unsaturated fats: Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Monounsaturated fats, solid at cold temp. inclue canola oil, olive oil, peanuts, almonds cashews and avocados. They metabolize quickly and can increase weight gain because the body mostly uses saturated fats for energy.

Polyunsaturated fats are found in fish vegetable oils, & botanicals. Quickly damaged by heat and light. Use quickly or store in dark containers in the refrigerated. From these fats we obtain essential fatty acids known as vitamin F.

2 types of essential fatty acids- Omega 3s and Omega 6s. Omega 3 oils come from flax, chia & pumpkin seeds; walnuts, canola oil, seaweeds & cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, butter fish, tuna & anchovies. Omega 6 oils comes from plant sources such as unprocessed, unheated vegetable oils, botanicals, and in saturated animal fat in free-range organic meats.

to be continued..

Love 'n Light,

MysticKitten