Snow Farms Holistic Wellness

We go to the store to buy healthy foods that nourish our bodies which enable us to be more productive humans for ourselves and our families. This means that we are probably reaching for foods labeled: “low-fat, no cholesterol, reduced sodium” because we have been led to believe that these will help us reach our peak potential.

Do you notice that you have dry skin? No energy? Perhaps you feel sluggish in the afternoon? Maybe you feel hungry shortly after you have just eaten?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, maybe your body needs some more healthy fats!

In the 1950s, the traditional sources of fat (butter, beef, bacon, eggs) because villainized by the vegetable oil and food processing industries. They need more customers quickly. These powerful companies developed research showing that saturated fats and cholesterol caused coronary heart disease. One well-known advocate was Nathan Pritikin who recommended a low-fat, whole grains, an exercise program along with raw foods minus sugar, white flour and processed foods. Sounds like a great plan, right? He found that those participants who stuck to the low-fat diet, “developed a variety of health problems including low energy, difficulty in concentration, depression, weight gain, and mineral deficiencies.” (Fallon, p. 4)

Before 1920 coronary heart disease was rare in America! Yes, you might have to go back and read that again. It is true! Remarkably just 30 years later, heart disease became the leading cause of death among Americans. Why the sudden change? Traditional animals fats (lard, tallow, duck fat) declined from 83% to 62% and the use of butter dropped from 18 pounds per year to 4 pounds per person. (Fallon, p. 5) Cholesterol intake per day has only increased by 1%, but vegetable oils such as margarine, shortening (Crisco), and canola oil have increased by over 400% partnered with the increase of sugar and processed foods which increased by 60%! OMG!

Folks from Japan, Sweden, Austria, and Greece all have the longest life spans plus they eat high-fat diets! They consume moderate amounts of the following: animals fats from eggs, pork, chicken, beef, seafood, and other organ meats.

Vegetable oils such as those made from soy, corn, safflower, and canola contain a high amount of omega-6 linoleic acid which causes “inflammation, high blood pressure, irritation of the digestive tract, depressed immune function, sterility, extra cells, cancer, and weight gain.” (Fallon, p. 11)

On the other hand, saturated fats such as those from animals make up over 50% of our cell membranes, are important for bone health, lower Lp(a), protect our livers from toxins, help our immune systems, help with the proper using of essential fatty acids, and actually help our hearts function properly! Cholesterol does not cause heart disease, in fact, it is a vital weapon against free radicals and also repairs arteries that have been damaged. “Blaming coronary heart disease on cholesterol is like blaming the police for murder and theft in a high crime area.” (Fallon, p. 13)

Most people (and kids) are going to benefit from more fats in their diet rather than less fat. However, you must choose your fats carefully! Avoid all the processed foods with the new found “better for you” oils. Look for traditional oils such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and animal fats for the occasional frying. Intake those eggs (especially ones that you can purchase from your local farmer) and those fats from grass-fed, grass-finished animals. The best news: slather all the things with high quality butter!

In short:

*Eat more healthy fats

*Clean protein sources provide you with healthy saturated fats

*Healthy fats and protein will help you balance your blood sugar

*Gobble down those nuts (raw) such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and brazil nuts (skip the roasted nuts)