The Good and Bad of Fats – Christy Ewing

The Good and Bad of Fats – what you should know

The American diet took a drastic change in 1992 when the USDA Food Guide Pyramid was introduced.  Fats were placed at the top of the pyramid and since then fat has been an evil word.  However, since 1992, Americans have become even more overweight and scientists are asking the question—What if fat isn’t what’s making us fat ?  What if actually eating the right fats will make us healthier?  Emerging now is much research of good fats vs. bad fats.  Together Omega 6 and Omega 3 fats are essential fatty acids and play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.   Each are important to have and generally you should have 2-4 times more Omega 6 fats compared to Omega 3’s.  However, with the typical American diet, people tend to have 14—25 times more Omega 6 fats than Omega 3’s and many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the US.  Bringing the ratio of these fats more into balance may actually relieve many of these conditions, according to National Institutes of Health psychiatrist, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln.  Omega 3 fats have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, while Omega 6 fats have a proinflammatory effect.  Inflammation is essential because it helps the body repair itself, however too much can lead to chronic degenerative diseases.  Striving for the correct ratios is crucial and will help many people feel better and bring inflammation back into check.

Reduce Omega 6 fats

· Cut down on processed & fast foods

· Reduce use of polyunsaturated oils, like corn, sunflower, safflower, soy & cottonseed.

Increase Omega 3 fats

· Eat more coldwater fish, like wild salmon & sardines.

· Consume walnuts & flaxseeds

Christy Ewing is a Certified Genesis Transformation Coach and lives in Whitefish, Montana.