It’s been a long time since nutritionists and health experts dispelled the idea that fat is all bad. Well, fat, and not just the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated kind (i.e., from avocados, nuts, fatty fish, and olive oil), is one satiating (in other words, appetite satisfying) macronutrient.
And, you might want to brace yourself for this one, studies now show that even saturated fat in unprocessed foods (i.e., raw chocolate) has benefits when it comes to metabolism and brain function, and even cholesterol quality. So buckle up to find out why nutritionists are telling us to eat more of these fats…
Nutty Butters
Now almond butter is my go-to when I’m going on a long run or hike. However, recently, I’ve made an effort to expand my nutty butters to include raw cashew, walnut, and even macadamia nut spreads. It’s no surprise that nuts deliver the energy goods.
In fact, studies show that nuts keep you energized for longer due to density of nutrients and calories, as well as plenty of protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. You can feel good about adding nut butter to your morning toast, smoothie, and baking due to the fact that a mere serving of nuts daily is linked to the prevention of anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Avocados
If you’re an avid reader of ActiveBeat, you know that we can’t really say enough good stuff about eating avocados. We hopped on the avocado train for a nutrition-fuelled ride a long while ago and we haven’t looked back thanks to the rich dose of vitamin K, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, and plenty of healthy monounsaturated fats and omega 9 (oleic acid) to boot.
Our research shows that fiber rich, heart-healthy avocados help support digestive health, aid exercise recovery with potassium electrolytes, improve stress response thanks to vitamin Bs and folate, and reduce overall cholesterol levels by up to 10-percent!
Grass-Fed Butter
Like fats, not all butters are created equally! Just ask registered dietitian and holistic health expert, Laura Schoenfeld, who will tell you that butter from grass-fed, or pasteurized cows is where it’s at if you’re seeking a fat containing rich levels of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin K2), which removes calcium from arteries and aids absorption into our bones.
In fact, Schoenfeld claims that if you’re reaching for a saturated fat spread or cooking oil, grass-fed butter is much safer bet for nutrient absorption compared to processed veggie and seed-based polyunsaturated oils.
Dark Chocolate
If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, Jennifer McDaniel MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, and founder of McDaniel Nutrition Therapy has a message for you—eat more dark chocolate!
She’s speaking of dark chocolate (or raw cocoa) that meets the 70- to 80-percent cocoa minimum…but chocolate lovers can celebrate the fact that their favorite dark, sweet treat contains flavonoid antioxidants that are shown to boost blood flow and support better heart health. Just keep in mind that the first ingredient in your bar of choice should show cocoa solids as the first ingredient and NOT sugar.
Eat Eggs…Yolks Too!
Best selling author, fitness expert, and celebrity wellness coach, Jillian Michaels, is sick and tired of us picking on eggs. In fact, she’s giving us the straight goods on the nutritional benefits of an egg…the entire egg. Yes, that means Michaels shuns the demonization of the egg and myths that they lead to high blood-cholesterol.
For Michaels, eggs (and yolks too) are considered a nutritional powerhouse for their rich stores of B vitamins, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin D and carotenoids, choline, and other beneficial antioxidants. Try and source your dozen from pasteurized chickens for the best nutrient value.
