Fat is the most efficient fuel source in the diet. It yields more than twice the energy supplied per gram than carbohydrates. Fat doesn’t affect pancreas activity negatively as too much sugar does and it is slow to release into the blood stream. It is difficult to store unless you eat too much of it. Once stored, fat has the potential to become its own gland! It is responsible for the maufacture and secretion of many hormones, such as the mood and stress influencing hormones! Fat is incredibly influential in maintaining homeostasis (balance) in the body and is required to assist in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K as well as the manufacture of cholesterol, a very important ingredient for the manufacture of testosterone, progesterone, estrogens, serotonin and for the protection of all of our body cells from oxidation and free radical damage. This is why it is dangerous to cut fat out of the diet. So don’t worry- this is not a fat free fad diet!

Unfortunately, fat has become a “four letter word”  in the past few decades- and to some extent this has been a good thing. With a more up-to-date understanding we now need to contend with total fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, Trans fats, cholesterol and of course fatty acids… no wonder we are confused! Essentially, remember this… if you cook it, burn it, heat it or expose it to sunlight and air for too long it will always become rancid, so use it as raw as you can.

Olive oil, Flax oil, Avocado and avocado oil, nuts and seeds (fresh and raw) are all great sources of unsaturated fat. Salmon, halibut and cod liver omega 3 fatty acids are also very good for you.

The worst fats are Tran’s fats. These are heart disease causing and found in ALL baked goods including bread… these MUST be avoided.