Eat the Butter!

A nutrient dense, whole foods diet should consist of protein, fat and carbs, in their most natural state and with very little to zero processing. Yes, fat is an essential nutrient needed for many body processes!

Fat, however, is one of the macro-nutrients that has been vilified over the years. We had the 1990's "fat-free" phase, which has pushed many of us towards disease and diabetes. We've also been told not to eat whole eggs, butter and full-fat dairy.

The truth is that fatty acids are an essential part of a nutrient dense diet. They allow us to absorb certain minerals and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Not only are fats needed to absorb vitamins and minerals; they help to build our cells from the ground up.

Here are some other important roles that fats play in the body:

  • excellent source of energy that acts like a slow burning log on a fire

  • building blocks for cell membranes and hormones

  • creates a protective barrier around organs

  • allows proteins to be used properly

  • slows the absorption rate of food

  • keeps blood sugar steady between meals and overnight

  • increases satiety

  • makes food taste delicious

If you are eating a low fat diet, you probably never feel full or satisfied.

Eliminating fat from our diet is not good for us, either. When we try to eliminate fat from our diet, our gallbladder and liver down regulate the production of bile and can get stagnant. This makes it difficult to digest fats when they are eaten.

*IT IS AS IMPORTANT TO REMOVE THE UNHEALTHY FATS AS IT IS TO EAT THE RIGHT FATS!*

I am sure you have seen the advertisements that push "heart-healthy" fats such as canola, corn, and vegetable oils. This could not be further from the truth. The reality is that these oils are incredibly processed and cause inflammation in the body. These oils are processed with chemical solvents and high heat and have been deodorized to remove their rancid smells. These types of oils should be tossed in the trash and replaced with healthier oils.

Remove these oils from your diet:

  • canola

  • vegetable

  • corn

  • crisco

  • margarine or fake butters

  • soy bean oil

  • cottonseed oil

  • artificial trans fats

  • hydrogenated fats

Add these fats to your diet:

  • butter

  • ghee

  • lard/tallow

  • olive oil

  • avocado oil

  • flax seed oil

  • walnut oil

  • fish oil

  • wheat germ oil

  • coconut oil

  • raw dairy

  • eggs

Eating a variety of fats is best for optimal health. We needs fats for many process such as making our cells and hormones to creating inflammation and anti-inflammation in order to heal properly. When we eat inflammatory fats, it impedes our ability to absorb and digest healthy fats. It is crucial for optimal health to remove the inflammatory fats and incorporate the healthy ones.

If you have been eating a low-fat diet and want to start incorporating more into your diet, I'd recommend starting slowly to allow your body time to adjust. Your liver and gallbladder will probably need support. If you have questions or need help with your digestive system, I can help you.