The Skinny:
Not all fat is bad. In fact, unsaturated fats are a must-have health boost for people. They can improve cholesterol, reduce inflammation and regulate heart rhythms among other handy things. Found in certain fish, plants, nuts and seeds, they are readily available for those who know where to look. For those that don’t, WellWell has identified six handy sources of these feel-good fats. Read on.
The Slate:
Salmon
Salmon and its cold-water fishy friends like mackerel are full of unsaturated fats and thankfully low in totally unhealthy saturated fat. Even better, salmon is high in protein, tasty and can be prepared in so many different delicious ways.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is packed with lots of good stuff. For example, it’s got both insoluble and soluble fiber, which boosts digestive health and helps stabilize blood sugar. It is also a wonderful fount of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, one ounce of flaxseed holds about 8 grams of healthy fat.
Eggs
Okay, eggs get a lot of grief because they are high in cholesterol and fat, but—and it’s a big but—most of the fat in eggs is unsaturated. They also are a great source of animal-based proteins and contain a decent load of essential vitamins and minerals. What’s more, they may not be as bad for cholesterol as once believed.
Avocado
It seems like everyone loves avocados and with good reason. Yes, they are tasty but one avocado provides more than a third of the daily recommended intake of healthy fat. In fact, these fruits (yes, they’re fruits) have six times the amount of healthy fat as icky fat. Low in carbohydrates, they are also high in fiber and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
Nuts
People should go nuts when looking for heart-healthy fats because they are loaded with them. They are also a good source of protein, dietary fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals. One note, they are relatively high in calories.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fat called oleic acid. Research indicates oleic acid not only helps ease inflammation, it might also be able to help fight off cancer. Another benefit is that extra virgin olive oil is quite heat resistant, making it great for cooking.
Eyes Up:
What’s your go-to source for healthy fats? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
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