Fat May or May Not Be Healthy
By Tom Herrin
We all have some kind of preconceived notions about various things. Based on our past experiences, we tend to form opinions about what is good and what is bad as well as what is healthy and what is not. One of the things that most of us have some thoughts on is fat. Whether it is body fat or fat in foods, we probably have some image in mind that stands out when we think of fat. We also likely make some kind of assessment as to how we are affected by it. Information about fat is all over the place, and there is some good and bad alike.
Fat in Foods
We all know that fat in foods can be a problem. For years, the ideal meat was often considered to be something that had that juicy flavor. This may have been good for taste, but it was not so good for health. Eating a diet that is high in fat can be dangerous. An exception may be some of the higher fat diets of today that are designed to force the body to burn fat for energy and rely less on carbs. It is a somewhat newer idea, and it is still a little untested in the long run. Many healthy diets are still based on the principle of keeping fats low.
Fats Where We Need Them
Even though we generally feel that we don't want fat on our bodies, some parts of our bodies need fat in order to be healthy. The best example may be the brain where fat should be present to make it healthy. We also need fats around some of our internal organs to serve as a sort of cushion to protect them. Fat is also needed around nerves and bone marrow.
Fat We Don't Want
Probably the most unwanted fat today is belly fat. At one time, it was simply thought of as a fact of life. Today we understand it a little better. It is now seen as a potential threat to health. This type of fat is considered to be serious, and when we have more of it, we should take action. It is believed to be a contributor to strokes, heart disease, arterial disease, and some cancers along with a few other problems. It is important to recognize this bad fat and act accordingly.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Kennesaw, Ga.