In today’s world, many people are cautioned against including too much fatty food in their diet. And rightly so, as diets high in saturated and trans fats are associated with high cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease. However, high quality fats in sufficient amounts do have their place in a healthy diet. Avocados, nuts, seeds and fatty fish all provide “good” fats–monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. So why bother increasing your “good” fat intake? Take a look at 4 benefits of consuming healthy fats below.
1. Satiety, or “Feeling Full”
While carbohydrates may instantly make you feel full, they do not provide the satiety dietary fats do. When you eat a meal containing sufficient fat, you will get a “stick to your ribs” feeling, which puts the brakes on hunger.
2. Healthy, Hair & Skin Nails
With insufficient dietary fat intake, your hair, skin, or nails may look a little dull and brittle. Healthy fats nourish these cells in your body thanks to the high amount of vitamin E they contain. If you are experiencing a high degree of hair breakage, for instance, check the fat content in your diet.
3. Body Temperature Regulation
Feel as though you are often shivering? It could be your lack of fat intake. Fats help to insulate your body and keep you feeling warm, so you will want to ensure you are getting enough of them. Of course, if you are very lean, you will likely feel cold regardless of how much fat you consume, so note this must be taken into account as well.
4. Increased Focus
Finally, you’ll benefit from healthy dietary fat is if you are struggling to stay focused during the day. Fats are key for enhancing brain health and memory, so if you are running deficient, you may be noticing your signs and symptoms relate to this.Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and flaxseed are particularly important for overall brain health.
Check your diet. Are you getting enough healthy fats? You should be aiming to take in no less than 0.7 grams each kilogram of bodyweight as a reference point. If you are above this, you are doing just fine.
By: Brittney Anderson
