Is there such a thing as a healthy fat? Of course there is, if you consider that fat is something we need in order to survive. Fats constitute the membranes of the cells in our bodies and insulate nerves so that they can transmit signals throughout our bodies at lightening speeds. As well, fats help in absorption of key nutrients during digestion, including beta carotene, vitamin D and vitamin E. Plant-based fats are especially beneficial because they not only help our bodies absorb key vitamins, they can also reduce cancer risk and improve cardiovascular health. Examples of these fats include those which come from seeds, nuts, avocados, and coconuts. The key is to pick the right fats and to eat them in moderation during your meals. One study showed that eating salads with full-fat salad dressing allowed for absorption of substantial amounts of antioxidants, while eating a salad with fat-free dressing virtually prevented any absorption of these nutrients. Full story.
Tags: beta carotene, fat, salad, vitamins
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.