Over the years fats have been labelled as an enemy to our body, whether it be in relation to cooking oils or avocados or even nuts. However, what the world fails to tell you is that our body needs fats in order to function. Fats play a vital part in our diet. Fats are responsible for giving our cell growth, protecting our organs, even helping the synthesis of hormones in our body.

Having fats in your diet is super important. Fats bring essential fatty acids into a body, which our body cannot produce by itself. They also help with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins that our body needs, these being A, D, E and K. Fat gives our body energy and we need energy to complete our everyday life whether we are training, working or simply looking after the kids. Fats are our friends not our foes.

Fatty acids are building blocks in our body, they help with serving energy to our muscles, heart and other vital organs which we need to function. There are many forms of fats; some health and some unhealthy. A couple of examples of good fats include:

• Coconut oil
• Organic butter
• Raw Nuts
• Lard
• Avocado
• …to name a few

These fats listed are known to be some of the best fat sources for both cooking and garnishing. These forms of fats have not been extremely processed and have benefits such as good sources of Vitamin A,D,E and K, as well as great source of antioxidants, and some even act as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Like all things in life you have the good options and the bad options, some forms of fat to avoid include:

• Vegetable oil
• Margarine
• Canola Oil
• Grape Seed oil
• …to name a few

These fats listed are known to be high in ‘trans-fats’ and are carcinogenic. They also increase the risk of heart disease and obesity. Although these products can easily be found and are of low cost, it is safe to say the “cheaper it is the worse the quality”.

Bottom line, don’t avoid fats, just choose wisely.

• Coach Emilia