Despite much evidence to the contrary, most people still believe that high-fat foods are bad for you. In fact, foods high in healthy fats (in moderation of course) can be an important part of a healthy diet. Some even offer some surprising health benefits, including enhanced immunity to illness, more energy, better brain function, and even better weight management!
A recent study conducted at the University of Georgia found several health benefits associated with healthy high-fat foods. The team analyzed several previous studies that focused on the health benefits related to consuming different foods high in healthy fats.
The 5 foods listed below are some examples they found of high-fat foods that may be consumed in reasonable amounts on a regular basis to help you maintain good health.
A recent study conducted at the University of Georgia found several health benefits associated with healthy high-fat foods. The team analyzed several previous studies that focused on the health benefits related to consuming different foods high in healthy fats.
The 5 foods listed below are some examples they found of high-fat foods that may be consumed in reasonable amounts on a regular basis to help you maintain good health.
1. Avocados
Numerous studies have found that avocados are one of the best sources of potassium and fiber. In addition, despite containing high amounts of fat, they have been shown to help lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and increase good (HDL) cholesterol levels.
2. Cheese
Some studies have shown that cheese is a great source of calcium, vitamin B12, and several other nutrients. In addition, cheese contains fatty acids that have been linked to reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes. For the most health benefits, raw-milk cheese from grass-fed cows is best, as it may contain higher levels of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Dark Chocolate
Studies found the high levels of antioxidants found in dark chocolate help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, both of which help reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Whole Eggs
New studies have shown that the cholesterol in eggs does not affect cholesterol levels in your blood. In addition, eggs are a good weight loss food because they contain highs amount of balanced protein, which helps you feel full faster and longer. Eggs from chickens raised on pasture also contain high levels of vitamin A, vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Grass-Fed Butter
That's right - butter! According to registered dietitian, Laura Schoenfeld, "Nutritionally, butter is actually a much healthier fat than most people realize, especially if it comes from grass-fed cows. The dairy fat from pastured cows contains higher levels of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin K2, which helps your body utilize calcium appropriately... Saturated fat is also a much safer fat to consume than the omega-6-rich polyunsaturated fats that come from industrial vegetable and seed oils. Plus, butter makes veggies taste amazing and helps us better absorb their nutrients—a win win!" (See our previous post "The Truth About Butter" for more info.)
These healthy types of fat are not only far from the health-destroying monsters they have been called in the mainstream media for decades, but they can actually improve various aspects of your health when consumed in moderation from clean sources. New evidence shows they are much better for you than the processed vegetable fats found in most processed foods and even so-called "low-fat" foods today.
So enjoy your dark chocolate fudge made with real, grass-fed butter, or your pastured eggs cooked in butter with a bit of fresh garlic, or your slice of crumbly raw-milk cheese with a glass of your favorite red wine - and skip the guilt! Even indulgences like these are not as bad for your health as you thought - in fact, they may even be good for you! :-)
To your health (and enjoyment),
Rose.
Numerous studies have found that avocados are one of the best sources of potassium and fiber. In addition, despite containing high amounts of fat, they have been shown to help lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and increase good (HDL) cholesterol levels.
2. Cheese
Some studies have shown that cheese is a great source of calcium, vitamin B12, and several other nutrients. In addition, cheese contains fatty acids that have been linked to reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes. For the most health benefits, raw-milk cheese from grass-fed cows is best, as it may contain higher levels of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Dark Chocolate
Studies found the high levels of antioxidants found in dark chocolate help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, both of which help reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Whole Eggs
New studies have shown that the cholesterol in eggs does not affect cholesterol levels in your blood. In addition, eggs are a good weight loss food because they contain highs amount of balanced protein, which helps you feel full faster and longer. Eggs from chickens raised on pasture also contain high levels of vitamin A, vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Grass-Fed Butter
That's right - butter! According to registered dietitian, Laura Schoenfeld, "Nutritionally, butter is actually a much healthier fat than most people realize, especially if it comes from grass-fed cows. The dairy fat from pastured cows contains higher levels of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin K2, which helps your body utilize calcium appropriately... Saturated fat is also a much safer fat to consume than the omega-6-rich polyunsaturated fats that come from industrial vegetable and seed oils. Plus, butter makes veggies taste amazing and helps us better absorb their nutrients—a win win!" (See our previous post "The Truth About Butter" for more info.)
These healthy types of fat are not only far from the health-destroying monsters they have been called in the mainstream media for decades, but they can actually improve various aspects of your health when consumed in moderation from clean sources. New evidence shows they are much better for you than the processed vegetable fats found in most processed foods and even so-called "low-fat" foods today.
So enjoy your dark chocolate fudge made with real, grass-fed butter, or your pastured eggs cooked in butter with a bit of fresh garlic, or your slice of crumbly raw-milk cheese with a glass of your favorite red wine - and skip the guilt! Even indulgences like these are not as bad for your health as you thought - in fact, they may even be good for you! :-)
To your health (and enjoyment),
Rose.
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