Fat phobia

For decades we have been told that saturated fat is dangerous and that vegetable oils are better, which has led to fat phobia and an explosion of light products. But modern research points the other way. It is time to let go of the fear of fat and give saturated fat its rightful place again.

We are biologically built to use saturated fat, especially for the brain, which is 60% saturated fat (absolutely not rapeseed oil!). These fats benefit not only brain health, but also energy, satiety and hormone balance.

Saturated fat: not the enemy we thought

Saturated fat has long been blamed for everything from heart disease to high cholesterol. But more recent research shows that saturated fat is not only harmless but can also be beneficial for our bodies. Fat is a critical building block for hormones, and these little powerhouses control basically everything in the body, from energy levels to how we feel mentally.

Cholesterol: a building block for health

Cholesterol has also gained an undeserved bad reputation. It is actually a vital substance that helps to produce vitamin D, steroid hormones (including sex hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone) and is part of every cell membrane in our body. Instead of avoiding cholesterol, we should aim to balance our cholesterol levels naturally through diet and lifestyle.

Fertility and the menstrual cycle: the role of fat

For women, fat is especially important. It affects the menstrual cycle through its role in hormone production. A diet rich in healthy fat can help to stabilise hormone fluctuations and promote a regular cycle, which is crucial for fertility and overall women’s health.

The dark side of vegetable oils

While we have embraced the healthy plant-based oils such as olive oil and coconut oil, we have also been misled into believing that all vegetable oils are good. The best vegetable oils, such as olive oil and coconut oil, offer significant health benefits. However, many other processed vegetable oils, such as rapeseed oil and corn oil, are highly processed and can contain harmful trans fats that can actually increase the risk of heart disease and inflammation in the body.

Full-fat products: natural nutrition

It is also time to embrace full-fat products. They are less processed than their low-fat counterparts and contain more nutrients, which are necessary for our bodies to function optimally. Eating full-fat is not only more satisfying but also more nourishing.

Summary

It is high time to bust the myths about saturated fat and cholesterol. By choosing the right types of fat and embracing full-fat products, we can improve our hormone balance, increase our fertility and strengthen our overall health. Let’s stop fearing fat and start seeing it as the source of health it truly is.

Healthy fats

• Animal fat: Natural butter, ghee, tallow and lard.
• Cold-pressed olive oil: Good for the heart, use daily.
• Coconut oil: Rich in medium-chain fatty acids and healing properties.
• Fish oil: Omega-3 is important, for big and small brains alike. A teaspoon a day boosts focus, vision and the nervous system.

Avoid

• Trans fats and industrially hardened fats (margarine, mayonnaise, ready-made salad dressings).
• Refined oils that are not cold-pressed.
• Low-fat products that often give quick energy but short endurance.

Dare to eat more fat! Fat is not dangerous, it is the foundation of a healthy body and a clear mind.