Friday January 17, 2020 ~ COLWOOD
~ West Shore Voice News
Choosing the best foods and ingredients to nourish yourself and your family is a continual challenge. Health food fads pop up, and what’s “best” for us today, may not be so great in a few months.
Eating in the information age isn’t easy, so it’s important to remember the natural foods that stand the test of time – that nourish deeply and sustain health.
Dietary fats have come a long way. Traditionally across many cultures, fats were once the most prized part of a hunt or harvest for the taste and energy-enhancing sustenance. But in the mid-20th century, fats got a bad reputation for their perceived links to cardiovascular disease and obesity, which probably had more to do with lack of exercise and increased consumption of sugars and alcohol. This fat phobia persisted for decades until recently, and now the nutritional experts are championing their vital role to our health.
Dietary fats are required for energy, healthy connective and nervous tissue, absorption of essential vitamins, maintaining stable blood sugar levels, good hormonal health, and the list goes on. Not only that – they make food taste better!
Some fats and oils are healthier than others, not to mention the confusion regarding safety, purity and sustainability. What’s the real skinny on cooking with fats?
Three Popular Oils
Among the many oils available today, there are some that stand out for flavour, aroma and health-giving benefits. Here is a short list of the healthiest fats to clear up any burning questions.
Ghee originated in ancient India and is made by removing water and milk solids from unsalted butter. The result is a nutty and nutrient-rich, clarified butter that can also be enjoyed by those with dairy sensitivities. The many health benefits of ghee include: energy-boosting saturated fats and beneficial fatty acids; reduced inflammation and gut health support; improved ability to absorb vitamins
Coconut Oil is popular. Derived from the “meat” of mature ripe coconuts, coconut oil is a nutritious, clear and aromatic oil with a mild, delicate flavour, that is easily and quickly digested; promotes healthy weight loss; improves absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids; and supports stronger, healthier bones. Coconut oil is also used to naturally formulate MCT oil – a balanced blend of fatty acids that enhances the production of ketones – organic compounds your brain uses for energy, faster than other fats or oils.
Olive Oil is revered as a staple of the much-acclaimed Mediterranean diet, widely recognized for its culinary versatility and as a healing oil that: raises the body’s good cholesterol and is rich in antioxidants. These healthy sources of dietary fats boost the flavour and absorption of nutrients from your entire diet.
=== LINKS:
Canada Food Guide (updated in 2019)
=== More information and products at House of Nutrition, at 6-310 Goldstream Avenue in Colwood, BC, open daily.