Fats That Are Good For You

Don’t buy into the anti-fat hype. The truth is, some fats are very good for you. Unfortunately, too many of us are hooked on bad fats, like those found in vegetable oils, snack foods or meats produced from corn-fed critters.

All fats are not evil. Those rich in omega-3 foods like fish, eggs and salmon help the body. Conjugated linoleic acid is a healthy fatty acid. It is found in free-range beef, lamb and turkey and milk from free-range animals. It can also be obtained as a supplement. Research shows that using 3,500 milligrams a day helps reduce abdominal fat. Increased CLA also helps with weight loss.

Research shows that CLA helps muscle development, lowers cholesterol and benefits the immune system. European studies have shown that CLA helped burn fat in overweight men and also helped maintain lean muscle tissue. Yet another study indicated that CLA helped obese people reduce the fat in their bodies by 20 percent over a three-month span. A report from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that postmenopausal women who consumed more CLA had higher bone mineral densities in parts of their bodies.

Balance Your Diet With Omega-3s

What’s a person to do if they want to lose weight? As with all things, balance is the key. One must navigate the grocery store aisles skillfully. Seek out foods loaded with health-giving fats like salmon, sardines and trout (look for wild fish as opposed to farm-grown).

Many health experts believe we are fatter today than in past generations because we pack on the omega- 6 fats and consume fewer omega-3 fats. Our ancestors were lean because they had a more balanced diet between omega-3s and omega-6s. Today the ratio is 25 to 1 in favor of omega-6 fatty acids. No wonder Americans are among the fattest folks on the planet. However, there are plenty of ways to bring this accounting back into proper order.

Flaxseed and flax oil are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of these products can increase one’s metabolic rate and burn fat. They also lead to increased energy and lower blood pressure levels. One should take between one and two tablespoons of flax oil daily for good health. Remember to keep the oil refrigerated at all times, otherwise it will become rancid.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

Green tea can also help the body burn fat. One Swiss study showed a connection between green tea intake and weight loss. Other experts contend green tea can fight cancer. Research shows that green tea has helped cut back on skin cancer and slowed the growth of tumors in the colon.

Nuts Contain Good Fat

Nuts, especially raw walnuts, pecans and almonds, are also a great source of good fat. Just a few ounces ofnuts a day can cut down on low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol levels). A study from Britain showed that women who ate just five ounces of nuts a day were far less likely to suffer heart attacks.

Thyroid Issues Can Prevent Weight Loss Thyroid troubles can also play a role in unwanted weight gain. If all else fails and you still can’t drop any weight, it might be time to check out your thyroid. Hypothyroidism, when the body can’t produce enough hormones to maintain proper metabolism, can lead to weight gain.

Patients diagnosed with subclinical thyroid dysfunction had a higher risk of heart disease. In a recent issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers looked at the thyroid-stimulating hormone and free T4 levels of more than 2,100 patients. They determined that patients with subclinical hypothyroidism had a much higher rate of heart disease than those with normal thyroid levels.

Finally, there’s a soothing way to increase your metabolism and relax. Health experts point out that saunas can raise your heart rate and help burn calories. Of course, always check with your personal physician before sweating it out in the dry heat.