Over the next few weeks we will be addressing some common food myths that, frankly, drive us a little bit crazy when we hear them. Hopefully we are able to clarify some common misconceptions regarding diet and how what you eat affects how you feel and perform.

We are always open to discussion and want to hear any food myths you have heard in your travels that made you go “What?”.

So, without further delay, food myth #1:

Eating Fats Is Unhealthy

Generations of now adults have been brainwashed into believing that fats = getting fat by the Canada Food Guide. This is simply not the case. While some fats are unhealthy, plenty more have benefits that you won’t find elsewhere. A lower calorie eating plan that includes healthy fats can help people lose more weight than a similar diet that’s low in fat, according to a study in the International Journal of Obesity. Fats make food taste better, keep you fuller and help prevent overeating.

It is true that fats have more calories per gram than proteins and carbs but those calories come with health benefits that the others don’t. Healthy fats like the ones found in salmon, olive oil, nuts and avocados are key to several healthy living goals including:

1. They are a major fuel source for your body (meaning they provides a lot of calories) and are also the main way you store energy.
2. You need fat to help you absorb certain nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) and antioxidants (like lycopene and beta-carotene).
3. Fats are important in giving your cells structure.
4. Omega-3 fats, a type of unsaturated fat, are important for optimum nerve, brain and heart function.

One type of fat you don’t need? Trans fats, an artificial kind of fat found in partially hydrogenated oils and a main ingredient in the food frying process (delicious, yes, but very unhealthy).

Source

So there you go, a quick overview of why fats are important in every healthy diet. Come back next week for more food myth-busting.