Anti Aging Good Fats Versus Toxic Bad Fats

We all know about the ongoing battle of good guys versus bad guys, but what about the anti aging battle of good fats versus bad fats? Understanding good fats versus bad fats is one of the biggest anti aging secrets around. Learning to tell which fats are anti aging fats and which fats will make you feel old and sick isn’t just a way to stay young, this knowledge can literally save your life.

The battle between good fats versus bad fats is really a battle between saturated fats versus unsaturated fats. Saturated fats are found in red meats and dairy products. Saturated fats include butter, cream, whole milk and whole milk products, lard, and the fats found in beef and pork, and in cured meat products like bacon and ham.

‘Hydrogenated’ fats are another bad player in the battle of good fats versus bad fats. Hydrogenated fats, also called trans fats, are made of from vegetable and animal products injected with hydrogen to thicken and stabilize them. Trans fats have the consistency of butter or shortening but are much cheaper and longer lasting. They are commonly added to baked goods and snack products to keep costs down. Chances are good that any packaged cookie, cracker, chip, cake, donut, or other starchy treat you purchase is crammed with hydrogenated trans fat.

Why even fight the good fats versus bad fats battle? Doesn’t bad fat taste better?

Not really! Not only to do bad fats make you look older, saturated and hydrogenated fats can actually kill you. Learning not to like them is worth a little effort. Saturated and hydrogenated fats—the ‘bad’ fats—actually coat the insides of arteries and slow the response times of neurons in the brain. They are harder to digest and are linked to all manner of chronic and acute illnesses, including obesity, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, dementia and stroke.

The preservatives in bad fats are also very difficult for the human body to remove. They break down cellular functions in a way that can lead directly to premature aging. Trans fats and saturated natural fats make it hard for the human body to obtain nutrients from other foods.

Contrast all that harm with the positive contributions of good fats in the ongoing good fats versus bad fats battle.

Good unsaturated fats come from vegetables. They are available in either polyunsaturated or monounsaturated forms. Omega-3 fatty acids are one form of good polyunsaturated fat that actually combat heart disease and may even help prevent some forms of cancer. Omega-3s are found in flaxseed, walnuts, and deepwater fish like salmon, cod, and halibut.

Monounsaturated fats are found in nuts, pumpkin seeds, avocados, olives, and canola oil. Mediterranean cultures eat lots of monounsaturated fats (also known as MUFAs) in the form of olive oil, nuts, fresh olives, and sesame seeds. Monounsaturated fats are rich in vitamin E and help to keep skin supple, tight, and youthful looks. MUFAs also promote healing and keep joints healthy.

How do you win the good fats versus bad fats battle?

Butter is delicious, but so is olive oil once you learn to use it. Instead of butter and red meat, choose lean fish and chicken with olive oil or canola. Use flaxseed oil in dressings and add some chopped walnuts or almonds to morning cereal. Choose low fat or nonfat dairy and broil your foods instead of deep-frying them. Skip the boxed cookies and snacks and choose fresh fruit and nuts instead.

Your skin will glow, your weight will drop naturally, and your doctor and your younger, more energetic body will thank you!

Related links:

Top Ten Anti-Aging Foods

Anti Aging Foods: Look and Feel Younger with the Foods You Eat