5 Reasons Why You Should Embrace Dietary Fat
Dietary fat has been feared for many years due to the misconception that consuming dietary fat leads to body fat production. This fear began in the 1980s and 1990s when low-fat diets were trending due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease; health professionals believed that dietary fat was the main cause of heart disease and advised individuals to limit fat consumption and increase consumption of carbohydrates. This trend continued into modern day and caused people to fear dietary fat, instead of recognizing it for its true nutritional benefits. So, here are five reasons why you should stop fearing dietary fat and embrace it instead:
Nutritional Benefits: Fats are an essential macronutrient that our bodies require for various functions. One crucial benefit of dietary fat is that it provides our bodies with the energy it needs to maintain adequate health. Dietary fat contains 9 calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrates only contain 4 calories per gram, so you can eat a smaller portion of fat and receive sufficient energy. Dietary fats also support cell growth, help absorb certain vitamins, and play a crucial role in hormone production!
Satiety and Taste: Another reason why you should embrace dietary fat is that it contributes to the feeling of fullness after a meal. Similar to protein, dietary fat helps us feel satiated after eating, which helps to control overeating and consume lower quantities of food. Fat also can make food more enjoyable by enhancing flavors and textures!
Healthy Fats Exist: If you remember from our past blog post, not all fats are created equal! Healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, contain essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and inflammation reduction. Healthy fats are the types of fats that we should prioritize eating while monitoring the consumption of saturated fats and trans fats.
Vitamins Absorption: Certain vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K) are fat-soluble, meaning they need fat to be absorbed and used effectively by the body. If we did not have enough dietary fat available in our bodies, then those important vitamins would not be properly utilized by our bodies, meaning we would not experience the benefits that those vitamins provide.
Balanced Diet: A balanced diet should include a variety of nutrients, including fats carbohydrates, and protein. Cutting out fats entirely could lead to an imbalance of nutrients and potential health issues. While overconsuming fat could contribute to body fat production, the same is true for overconsuming protein and carbohydrates! An excess of any of the macronutrients can lead to fat production, so try to eat a healthy diet that is properly balanced.
Healthy fats are extremely important to our overall health and well-being and should not be feared! Remember, moderation is key; by watching portion sizes and prioritizing healthy fats, fat will help support your health goals. Want more information on how to build a healthy diet? Schedule a complimentary call with one of our Ready Steps registered dietitians here!