4 Fat Myths to Give Up Now (Your Skin Will Thank You)
In 1961, a story in Time Magazine suggested that saturated fat caused heart disease, and by 1980, dietary guidelines in the US—and then around the world—promoted diets low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.
Growing up in this era, we learned the real f-word was fat. And even though randomized, controlled studies are now debunking the low-fat dogma, fat myths persist.
But these myths are damaging to your health and your skin.
4 fat myths to give up right now:
- Fat makes you fat – This caught on because a gram of fat has 9 calories, whereas protein and carbohydrates have 4 calories per gram. Harvard Health suggests focusing on healthy, natural foods is a better strategy for health than obsessing over fat intake.
- Fat is bad for you – Wrong again! Low-fat diet studies don’t support the idea that lowering fat reduces risk for heart disease or death.
- Saturated fat and cholesterol cause heart disease – Go ahead and have those eggs for breakfast because there’s no evidence that saturated fat and dietary cholesterol is harmful. It’s actually low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets that raise triglycerides and LDL cholesterol—two risk-factors for heart disease.
- Vegetable oils are good for you – This just isn’t true, despite the wall of these oils in your grocery store. Eating vegetable oils increases inflammation in the body, increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, and creates an Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acid profile that is strongly associated with the risk of depression.
Choosing healthy fats is simple once again: eat animal fats that come from meat and dairy products, and vegetarian fats like coconut oil, avocados, and olive oil. Avoid vegetable oils, and hydrogenated vegetable oil, also known as trans fats.
And if you’re wondering how it all got so complicated in the first place, you may enjoy Nina Teicholz’s book, The Big Fat Surprise, which reads like an international nutritional thriller.
Good fats and your beauty routine
Changing your fat consumption will benefit your health but your skin will also thank you. Did you know that dry skin is often caused by a lack of (healthy) dietary fat? Though we firmly believe that an exfoliation and moisturization routine is the gold standard for radiant skin, no amount of external intervention will overcome chronic dry skin caused by a low-fat lifestyle.
Besides eating more healthy fats, you can also use them directly on your skin as part of your moisturizing routine. Many moisturizing body lotions now include coconut oil, and there’s a cottage industry reviving the popularity of tallow-based creams and lotions.
Changing how you eat and shop can be challenging but the benefits of adding healthy fats to your diet are plentiful and long-lasting.
While we can’t help you restock your pantry with all the right foods, we can help you relax after a job well-done. If you’d like to celebrate the healthy changes you’re making for you and your family, give us a call to book a relaxing massage and a rejuvenating facial.
Feel great, look great with Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa.
Massage. Facials. Waxing. At Hand & Stone, our registered massage therapists will relieve tension, soothe tired muscles and ease headaches. Interested in our facial services? We know radiant, healthy skin reflects how you look and feel. Hand & Stone’s facials are performed by certified estheticians and we are proud to offer Dermalogica®, YonKa and Diego Dalla Palma products so you can enjoy a bright, beautiful complexion between regular appointments.
We’ll help you look and feel your best, affordably! Call today to schedule your appointment! We’re open 7 days a week with extended hours and gift cards are available for all occasions. Contact us today!