The Function of Fat – Part II, Too much of a good thing…
Your Nutritional Moment of Zen
(Editor’s Note: A bit late this week due to homework! Had to research and write a paper on “The Joys of Having a Hysterectomy”. FYI – There aren’t very many…)
Last week we looked at the important roles of fat in our bodies. You may recall there are a bunch. Here, though, is where we run into trouble – All too often we extrapolate if something is important, as fat is, then more of it is better than less. Ah, if only that were true…
Just how much do we need?
Well, not that much. And I really mean NOT THAT MUCH. The predominate scientifically-supported view from those I trust follows this macronutrient breakdown:
- (Complex) Carbohydrates – 80%
- (Ideally plant-based) Proteins – 10%
- (In nature’s package, plant origin, polyunsaturated best) Fats – 10%
Sorry, but there are no typos in those figures. So while too little fat in the diet (right type of course) is not good, too much is MUCH WORSE.
The Dirty Dozen-ish of Diseases Due to Intake of Excess (and incorrect) Fat Consumption:
You may want to read this list sitting down…*
- Acid Reflux – Also known as GERD (gastric esophageal reflux disease)
- Acne – Don’t believe the ProActiv ads. Symptomatic relief at best.
- Arthritis – Fat intake is not the only factor here, but it is a big one
- Cancer – Not just cancer, too, but especially cancer.
- Greasy Hair – As Dr. McDougall says “The fat you eat is the fat you wear.”
- Greasy Skin – Ditto
- Heart Disease (and Stroke) – Plaque starts here
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) – Fat is not good for your gut…Bile and Biome
- Immune System Suppression – Especially oils which readily oxidize (turn rancid)
- Kidney Disease – Remember fats are acids, and our operating pH is slightly basic
- Liver Disease – Where bile comes from, and fat can be stored – A stressor site
- Obesity – We were not designed for obesity. It is tough on the body.
- Osteoporosis – Fats are acid, to buffer requires calcium from your bones
- Sleep Apnea – Being overweight is a major cause. A CPAP life is no fun.
- Tumor Proliferation and Growth – Yep, they “love” this stuff
- Type-II Diabetes – Really a disease of fat blocking sugar from getting into cells
The Okinawan Diet
By Shereen Lehman, MS | Reviewed by a board-certified physician
March 13, 2018 (VeryWellFit.com)
“Okinawa is a region in the southernmost part of Japan where inhabitants have traditionally had the longest lifespans on earth. While there are probably many reasons for those long lifespans, there’s a good chance their typically healthy diet plays some part. The Okinawan diet is made up mostly of vegetables and legumes, especially soy. It’s low in calories and fat, and high in complex carbohydrates.”
…Ya think? (My red ink)
Don
“Nutritional Zen Master in Training”
The Wellness Forum Institute
* Feel free to contact us about any of these if you want more details on the malady, its causes, potential dietary strategies or reducing your obtaining them risk.
NEXT WEEK: The Function of FAT – III:
In Search of that 10% – Where to Find Your Fat:
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