subject: 5 Top Saturated Fat Health Benefits [print this page] Saturated fat often receives a bad rap in the media. It has been linked with a number of negative symptoms including cancer, diabetes and heart disease. However, in recent years research has revealed it may not be as bad as many believe. In fact this type of fat is now getting linked with an increasing number of health benefits. In this article I will be outlining five of the top saturated fat health benefits.
1) BRAIN HEALTH:- Around two thirds of your brain is made from cholesterol and fats. Of these brain fats, about half are saturated. These fats support a number of brain functions which include learning, memory and mood. Failing to consume enough of this type of fat can prevent your brain from performing these vital functions. Therefore, it is essential for the maintenance of a healthy brain.
2) LIVER HEALTH:- Saturated fat has been shown to protect your liver from a number of harmful substances such as alcohol and medications. It has also been shown to reverse liver damage. Plus, studies have revealed that it helps remove fatty deposits from your liver. All these factors mean that this fat type is a key nutrient for maintaining good liver health.
3) OPTIMAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:- Saturated fats are a key part of your nervous system. They are used as messengers which influence digestion, insulin release and more. This fat type is also used by your nervous system to produce hormones. Failing to eat enough of this fat type prevents your nervous system from functioning properly and has an adverse effect on its health. Therefore, you need to consume adequate levels to maintain optimal nervous system function.
4) REDUCED HEART DISEASE RISK:- Whilst the popular belief is that saturated fat increases your heart disease risk, the opposite is actually true. Eating this fat type reduces the levels of lipoprotein (a) in your blood. Blood levels of lipoprotein (a) have been directly correlated with heart disease risk. Therefore, eating this type of fat can protect you from heart disease and lower your risk.
5) STRONG CELL WALLS:- Saturated fats are used as the building blocks for strong cell walls. Approximately 50% of your cell walls are constructed from this type of fat. Not only does this fat type help your cell walls stay rigid but it also prevents unwanted materials from entering the cells.
As you can see saturated fat is not the bad fat that many people believe. In fact you need to eat it to keep your cells and organs healthy. So next time you do your food shopping do not avoid certain foods just because they contain this fat - embrace them as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
