Are All Fats Beneficial in the Paleo Diet?

The first point to note is that not all fats are created equal. The second point worth remembering is that you do not get fat by eating fat. In fact, you must consume the right fats for good health. Fats make you feel happy and provide a host of benefits such as reducing cancer risk, boosting you immune system and even helping you lose weight.

Yup! You need to eat fat to lose fat… but you must eat the right fats.

The problem these days is that most people are consuming unhealthy fats that come from hydrogenated oils. Many people are unaware of how unhealthy the vegetable oils they consume are. The oils are marketed as being healthy and made out of natural foods such as soy, corn, etc.

In reality, oils that have been refined or hydrogenated are extremely bad for the human body and cause many health related problems.

The paleo diet uses oils in their natural state. The oils are not bleached or subjected to chemical processes that make them harmful. The fats used in the paleo diet are not only safe but are extremely beneficial to the body.

Since the diet is heavy in meat, you will get a good portion of animal fats in your diet. Paleo dieters are encouraged to get grass-fed meats because even the food the commercial companies feed their livestock is detrimental. Eating grass-fed meats will ensure that no ill-effects are passed down to you.

Animal fats are perfectly fine. Our ancestors ate lots of meat and our bodies have evolved over time to eat meat and handle animal fat. Rest assured that your cholesterol level is not going to skyrocket. Studies have proven that dietary cholesterol does not cause high cholesterol in humans.

Do you want to know what causes high cholesterol levels in human beings?

Hydrogenated oils sold on supermarket shelves. Unhealthy fats found in cookies, junk food, fast food, etc. These are what cause unhealthy cholesterol levels. Worry not! Since the paleo diet does not allow consumption of these awful items, you’re safe.

Coconut oil is the most preferred oil in the paleo diet. Just like how olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet, coconut oil is the staple oil in the paleo diet. It contains over 90% saturated fat and every bit is good for you. Coconut oil is stable at room temperature and can be used for cooking. It contains lauric acid which is easily digested and helps boost your immune system.

Another healthy fat that is seen in the paleo diet is olive oil. This is a very healthy oil and helps to balance the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the body. This will lubricate your joints and prevent inflammation in the body.

Butter and ghee are other fats that are also used to prepare paleo dishes. Many paleo dieters scramble their eggs in the morning with melted butter. Butter is not a strictly paleo ingredient but it does have many health benefits. So, if you’re willing to be a little lax, you can include butter as part of your diet. It does have many benefits.

These are just some of the fats in the paleo diet. There are other fats such as avocado oil, etc. The point you should take away from this article is that the fats in the paleo diet are perfectly healthy. 

You should be more concerned with the normal food that is being sold commercially. These are the biggest culprits for most of society’s health issues these days. Avoid these unhealthy products and go paleo. It truly is life-changing.