In the United States today, so many of us are committed to the destruction of fat. We’ve been conditioned to try and remove as much of the stuff from our diets (and ourselves) as we possibly can. Whether you realize it or not, however, certain fats like fatty acids are not only good for you, but you actually need them to survive.
You may be wondering, “What are fatty acids?” Our team in Poplar Bluff, MO has the answer!
You need dietary fat
Too often, we mistake dietary fat—the fat found in the foods we eat—with the fat on our bodies. The two are not the same—not even close. Consuming too much dietary fat can, indeed, lead to severe health issues like heart disease. Of course, excessive consumption is almost always a poor choice, no matter what you’re consuming. When it comes to food, those hoping to lose weight shouldn’t cut out fat—they should cut out calories, which can be found in everything we eat. Indeed, the American Heart Association recommends that about 30 percent of the calories in a healthy diet should come from fat.
Taken in moderation, dietary fat can be a plentiful supply of life-nurturing essential fatty acids, of which there are two (for humans at any rate): linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. These two fatty acids are vital to support human life. Without them, mammals can lose weight, lose hair and feel lethargic.
Consuming the right fat
Now that you’re closer to understanding what fatty acids are, it’s time to get healthy by eating the right kind of fatty acids. In particular, that means gearing your diet toward one low in saturated fats, like the kinds found in meat, butter, ice cream and other animal products. These are the fats that clog arteries and contribute to stroke.
Unsaturated fats, meanwhile, don’t clog arteries. These are the types of fat found in avocados, olive oil, peanut butter and a variety of nuts and seeds. Consumed in moderation, foods that are high in unsaturated fats can provide a healthy supply of the fatty acids your body needs to survive.
Treat yourself to some fish
One surefire way to ingest some beneficial fatty acids is to eat some seafood. Seafood is a source of omega-3 fats, which are a group of fatty acids that are great for heart health. What’s more, omega-3 fats can go a long way toward children’s brain development and eyesight. Foods like salmon and tuna are high in omega-3 fats.
Your supplement and health food super store
Still wondering, “Are fatty acids good for you?” In Poplar Bluff, MO, you can come to The Bee Hive Natural Foods to find the answer. We’re proud to be the local haven for health food enthusiasts, which is why we provide a comprehensive approach to living a happier, healthier lifestyle.
We offer a massive selection of organic meats and dairy products, homeopathic supplies, all-natural cosmetics, aromatherapy items, personal care items, supplements, vitamins and more. We’re also happy to help fill in the gaps and educate our customers. We’re always here to help. Stop by or give us a call today!