1. Properly Absorb Nutrient
Without an adequate fat intake, your body won’t be able to absorb the essential nutrients A, D, E, and K. Why are these so important? They relate to your body providing a proper immune response, they help to alleviate inflammation, act as antioxidants, support skeletal growth and maintenance, and offer proper blood clotting factors. Sauteing your vegetables in coconut oil, ghee, or avocado oil is a great way to make sure you are able to absorb all 4 fat soluble vitamins!
2. Energy Source
While fat may not commonly be thought of as an energy source, it is! Your body primarily uses glucose for energy during intense physical activity, but when you are resting or engaged in only moderately taxing activity, your body reverts to utilizing fat for energy. Making sure you have a healthy consumption of high quality fat sources is a great way to encourage a healthy metabolism.
3. Mental Health
Deficiency in Omega-3 (an essential fatty acid) can cause or contribute to serious health problems, both mental and physical. Omega-3’s like EPA and DHA are vital for stable brain health, including mood! If you’re feeling down in the dumps or on edge, ask your physician to check you Omega 3 levels.
The best source of Omega-3 is through a high quality fish oil or krill oil, or by consuming fatty fish like salmon and tuna several times a week.. Plant based oils like flax contain ALA, which can be converted into small amounts of EPA and DHA but not very efficiently.
