Wynter's Wellness

Unsaturated Fats: The Good Kind of Fat

When we hear the word “fat,” we often think of greasy burgers and oily fries. However, not all fats are created equal, and unsaturated fats are actually good for our health.

So, what exactly are unsaturated fats? They’re a type of fat that comes from plant-based foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, and vegetable oils. Unlike saturated fats which can clog arteries and increase risk of heart disease, unsaturated fats can actually lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body.

There are two types of unsaturated fats: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Monounsaturated fats are found in foods like olive oil, almonds, peanuts, and avocados. These types of fats have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower bad cholesterol levels.

Polyunsaturated fats come in two forms: omega-3s and omega-6s. Omega-3s can be found in fatty fish like salmon or mackerel as well as flaxseed oil while omega-6s are found in cooking oils such as soybean or corn oil. Both omega-3s and 6s provide many benefits to the body such as improving brain function, reducing inflammation in the joints or skin issues like eczema.

Now that you know what kinds of food contain these healthy fatty acids let’s talk about how to incorporate them into your diet:

1) Make avocado toast! Avocado is so versatile; it adds creaminess to everything from sandwiches to smoothies. Spread some mashed avocado on whole-grain bread with an egg on top for a protein-packed breakfast.

2) Snack on nuts! Almonds or walnuts make great midday snacks when paired with some fresh fruit or cheese cubes for added protein content.

3) Cook with olive oil instead of butter! Olive oil has a higher smoke point than butter making it perfect for sautéing or roasting vegetables. Plus, it adds a delicious flavor to any dish.

4) Try eating more fatty fish! Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel or tuna are packed with omega-3s and can be incorporated into your diet in many ways – sushi rolls, grilled fillets or canned versions in salads.

5) Add flaxseed to your smoothie! Flaxseed is an easy way to add fiber and healthy fats to your meals. Mix it with some yogurt or protein powder in your morning smoothie for a quick nutrient boost.

Incorporating unsaturated fats into our diets doesn’t have to be difficult. With so many tasty options available, we can easily make small changes that will improve our overall health.

It’s important not only to focus on the benefits of unsaturated fats but also the potential risks if consumed excessively. These healthy nutrients should always be paired with other dietary components such as vitamins and minerals provided by fruits & veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins.

So go ahead and enjoy those avocados, nuts, olive oil drizzles and fatty fishes without any guilt; you’re doing something good for your body!