Originally published December 7 2005
Nutrition expert advises seeking out healthy fats
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Claire Williamson, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), talks about the role healthy fats play in our diet to strengthen our heart, immune system, and even our skin.
It's not that we actually believe every square of chocolate we eat will literally stick to our love handles, but there is a common enemy: fat.
Instead of being concerned about eating too much, we should ask ourselves: Are we eating too little?
"We do actually need some fat in our diet," says Claire Williamson, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF).
"Eating the right type of fat is actually essential for a healthy heart," says Williamson.
We should also make sure there are enough omega-3 fatty acids in our diet.
Although scientists are still investigating the effects of omega-3 on the heart, the American Heart Association says this polyunsaturated fatty acid can lower the risk of heart arrhythmias and prevent the build up of atherosclerotic plaque (the accumulation of fatty deposits on the arteries).
� EAT: oily fish such as mackerel and salmon, Columbus eggs (which are fortified with omega-3) and flax seeds.
"Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy brain, eye and nervous system development and should be a crucial part of the diet during pregnancy," says Williamson.
"Our skin and hair needs EFAs because they are a component of these organs and dieters who follow an extremely low-fat diet can end up with dry skin and hair that's in bad condition," says Williamson.
� EAT: Flaxseed oil, or take evening primrose oil and cod-liver oil supplements.
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to help prevent damage of cell membranes by free radicals and so plays an important part in preventing diseases and keeps the body healthy.
Calcium is essential for both the growth and renewal of bone cells.
However, as Williamson points out, the Vitamin D carried by fats is needed to absorb calcium and is therefore crucial for healthy bones.
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