The term ‘healthy fats’ often sounds like an oxymoron, the two words seemingly contradictory making us wonder how fat could be considered healthy. However, healthy fats do exist, and they are a vital aspect not only for a balanced diet, but for a healthy brain.

Fat plays an essential role in the human diet, boosting brain function and neurological well-being. Dr. David Perlmutter, a renowned neurologist and author, said, “Your brain is about 60% fat…It’s instrumental in the health of cell membranes and communication between brain cells.” Decades ago, though, the message was loud: everything should be low fat. Marketing teams conjured campaigns that convinced the general public to avoid fats at all costs, labeling products as low or nonfat. By removing the fat from our food, these scientists put sugar in its place in an effort to enhance taste while foregoing nutrition. Not a great strategy in our opinion.

Because the brain is compiled of a significant amount of fat, it needs the right types of fats in order to function properly. This is why we are so keen on recommending omega-3 fatty acids to our clients who are embarking on their journey toward enhanced cognitive health. These fats are vital to the structure of brain cells and impact everything from memory to mood regulation. Without these healthy fats, the neuron signaling becomes jumbled and delayed, the brain gets inflamed, and we are more susceptible to diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

We cannot stress enough the importance of healthy fats. Choosing foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, fish, and full fat products such as cheese, butter, and cream are excellent options with nutritional value and will do much, much more for your brain and your body than processed foods full of unhealthy fats. These sources of healthy fats offer a long list of benefits, among them are the triggering of hormones within the brain that cause us to feel satiated and full while also providing energy. Because our bodies do not produce omega-3s, supplementing with a high-quality fish oil can make a big impact on brain function and overall health.

So, start today and rid your mindset of the negative connotations associated with the word ‘fat’ by understanding variations, sources, and ways they affect the mind and body. Incorporating healthy fats into your nutrition plan can make all the difference!

For more info on healthy fats versus unhealthy fats, check out this article from the Mayo Clinic:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fat/art-20045550

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