Who started the myth about fat is bad?  Not sure but is started sometime in the 80’s.  After the myth started the word fat has such negative connotations in our culture that many of us shy away from foods that contain it. The products that are “low in fat” usually contain extra sugar.  Dietary fat is a very different thing than the fat cells we carry in our bodies – the bigger point is that we need to eat fat for good health. 

Myth 1 – Fat is terrible for your heart Truth- Many fats such as omega 3 fats some polyunsaturated fats and virtually all mono saturated fats are very useful in preventing heart disease and improving memory.  Healthy fats such as avocados, seeds, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon or tuna may help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation, both are risk factors for your heart.

Myth 2 – High fat foods are bad for your cholesterol.  Truth- depends on the fat.  Eating unsaturated fats, especially if they replace saturated and trans fats in your diet, can improve your cholesterol and protect against heart disease.  These fats are those found in plant-based foods and fatty fish.  Research shows that avocados, beans and lentils, almonds, and walnuts are especially good at lowering bad cholesterol.

Myth 3 – Eating fat makes you gain weight- Truth- if you eat too many carbs or too punch protein you’ll gain without and the same is true of fat.  But fat in and of itself, especially healthy fat does not make you gain weight.

Myth 4 – Low fat or nonfat products are healthier Truth- not if a product’s fat was replaced with sky-high amounts of sugar, which is often how fate-reduced processed foods are made palatable.  Refined carbs and added sugars can decrease insulin sensitivity and raise both your blood pressure and your blood triglycerides.  Those are risks for heart disease.  Read the label on lower fat options and check for added sugar.

Myth 5 – All plant-based fats are healthy Truth- Alas, not so.  Many are, but the idea that if a fat comes from a plant, it’s automatically good for you is incorrect.  Tropical oils like palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil for example are high in saturated fat.  Stick to olive oil, which is high in Polyphenols, a plant compound that are very positive for the heart and brain health.

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