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We’ve talked about health-boosting fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocado, fish and nuts. Now let’s look at the less desirable fats and ones you want to avoid altogether.
Saturated fats from meat and dairy products are pro-inflammatory and should be used in moderation. Coconut oil is one exception.
- You can spot saturated fats because they are hard at room temperature. Think of the fat that leaks out of meat during cooking and hardens up while the pan cools on the side, or the fat found in cheese.
- Red meat and full-fat dairy products are the highest in saturated fat. But it is also found in poultry—especially fattened, factory-farmed poultry—and other dairy products, such as milk.
Excessive consumption of saturated fats has been known to…
- Promote inflammatory conditions.
- Stiffen cell membranes, making cells inefficient at receiving nutrients and releasing toxins.
- Reduce the ability of cells to use insulin, leading to excess weight and blood sugar problems.
- Interfere with essential fatty acid use in the body.
- Are thought to promote heart disease and cancer.
- Depress immunity.
- Raise levels of estrogen and may therefore promote hormonal cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.
Saturated fats are consumed in Longevity Hot Spots in moderation.
Trans fats and hydrogenated fats from processed foods, junk foods, and cheap cooking oils have a detrimental effect on your biochemistry. They’re also linked to heart disease and cancer.
Most polyunsaturated cooking oils sold in supermarkets have been treated this way and should be avoided. Beware also of hidden trans fats in mayonnaise or canned foods containing vegetable oils other than healthy oils such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, sesame seed oil, etc.
Hydrogenated fats can be found in processed foods such as pastry, cookies, and ready meals. They are created by adding hydrogen atoms to polyunsaturated fat molecules to give the food a pleasing chewy texture and long shelf life. They may make the food taste good, but they are very unhealthy. Be sure to avoid them. Luckily, most manufacturers are starting to find alternatives.
Trans fats are not consumed in Longevity Hot Spots. They are banned in jurisdictions such as New York City and the state of California, and are best avoided completely.
