Health Nation
Worst Nutrition Advice Given
By: Dr. Keith Kantor, CEO of The NAMED Program
The worst advice given was not individual advice from an individual but it was an actual movement and it was known as the fat free movement. Health professionals were and still are recommending that individuals consume a low fat diet to improve health and weight loss. Dietary fat in its natural form actually improves health and reduces inflammation. Inflammation is the cause of most diseases including heart disease.
The best sources of fat are the natural unprocessed sources including pure oils such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, raw nuts, raw seeds, raw nut and seed butter, avocados, etc. Fat helps improve our ability to regulate our appetite, since fat offers a dense form of calories, it keeps us full for a longer period of time, resulting in fewer cravings for sugar and starchy carbohydrates, which increase risk for disease and weight gain. Fat has 9 calories per gram as compared to the 4 calories per gram that carbohydrates have, so portions should be smaller due to the density.
Consuming fat also improves symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes, ADHD, autism, dementia and brain fog. Consuming fat has also been linked to increasing longevity. Our brain is comprised of fat and it needs to be nourished with fat, consuming a higher fat, low carbohydrate diet has many cognitive and neurological benefits. Due to the health benefits of natural sources of fat, we recommend that clients consume approximately 50% of their calories from fat daily. Avoid trans fatty acids, which is labeled as hydrogenated oils on the ingredient list. These fats are highly processed and do increase your risk for heart disease and weight gain. This man made processed fat was created to extend the shelf life of products but it poses a major risk to our health and is related to our obesity epidemic.
Conclusion
Fat does not make you fat, excess consumption of carbohydrates and sugar will cause weight gain and increase risk for chronic diseases. Not all fats are created equal, only consume fat in its natural form, from pure oil, seeds, nuts, and animals. Avoid processed fats and oil.