The 411 on Fats & Oils
The idea that fat makes us fat is completely unscientific and quite honestly, a myth.
Our brains are 60% fat!
We need fat for healthy brain and body function.
EVERY cell requires high-quality fat!
Fat is vital to create healthy cell membranes... unfortunately we've been duped to think that high-processed vegetable oils are healthier alternatives.
This couldn't be further from the truth.
My goal here is to convince you that:
Sourcing "clean" and good fats is extremely important for the body and brain.
Not only how to source but how to cook a fat is also important.
Fats have a "smoke point".
The smoking point is the temperature at which the fat or oil begins to smoke.
Smoking is evidence of the fat's breakdown due to heat and can create a very off-putting smell and flavor.
This means that at a certain temperature the fat oxidizes and goes bad. We don't want oxidized fat for fuel. We want fats that have maintained their integrity so that it can help our body do what it is supposed to do.
For example, it's best to saute veggies in avocado or coconut oil and using extra virgin olive oil raw in salad dressings.
FATS AND VEGGIES ARE THE PERFECT PAIRINGS OF FOODS!!!
Fats and veggies were made for each other. The reason is that there are very important nutrients in veggies – such as vitamins A, D, E, and K – that are fat-soluble, which means our body cannot absorb them unless fat is present.
Fats facilitate the absorption of these critical fat-soluble nutrients.
For example, carotenoids, the yellow, orange, and red pigments abundant in carrots, sweet potatoes, rhubarb, and dark greens like kale and spinach are POWERFUL BRAIN BOOSTERS and need fat to be absorbed!
So ALWAYS pair your colorful veggies with your favorite healthy fat!
Follow these tips to source the best fats and oils:
- Use the list below for a guide to which oils to use raw and to cook with.
- Opt for organic whenever possible.
- Coconut oil
- Only buy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
- Look for Fair Trade and organic labels
- Butter & Ghee - source from pastured and grass-fed cows and look for the American Grass Fed Logo – americangrassfed.org
- Stick with the top oils to cook with... and the ones listed under "use raw" you can drizzle on your veggies, or put into salad dressings dips, and raw desserts.
This simple guide will help you when you navigate the grocery store in search of nourishing fats & oils.
So stick with the top oils to cook with... and the ones listed below to use raw such as in salad dressings, dips, or just drizzle on your veggies!
Every one of your cells requires healthy fats to do it job, be you!
Don't be fooled by highly processed vegetable oils, they may taste good, but the amount of toxins and rancidity they embody, are not worth any of your time or money.
So steer clear and focus on the oils the nourish and support your body.
In love of good fats,
Becky Wells
The Hippie Moms, LLC
www.thehippiemoms.com
The Hippie Moms Podcast
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