Saturated fat is not the root of all evil ... and it is NOT to blame for the modern disease epidemics facing Americans. Saturated fat is actually an incredibly healthy, nourishing and all natural fat that humans have been thriving on for generations. Again, as Fallon and Enig point out:
* Saturated fatty acids constitute at least 50 percent of your cell membranes. They are what gives your cells necessary stiffness and integrity. * They play a vital role in the health of your bones. For calcium to be effectively incorporated into your skeletal structure, at least 50 percent of your dietary fats should be saturated.
* They lower Lp(a), a substance in your blood that indicates proneness to heart disease.
* They protect your liver from alcohol and other toxins, such as Tylenol and other drugs.
* They enhance your immune system.
* They are needed for the proper utilization of essential fatty acids. Elongated omega-3 fats are better retained in your tissues when your diet is rich in saturated fats.
* Saturated 18-carbon stearic acid and 16-carbon palmitic acid are the preferred foods for your heart, which is why the fat around your heart muscle is highly saturated. Your heart draws on this reserve of fat in times of stress.
* Short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids have important antimicrobial properties. They protect you against harmful microorganisms in your digestive tract.
So please do not shun saturated fats from your diet. If you'd like to get the most tailored information about which fats, and how much of them, to include in your optimal diet, first find out your nutritional type <http://products.mercola.com/nutritional-typing/> . Then, make sure your meals include some of these delicious and healthy sources of saturated fat:
* Grass-fed organic beef and beef fat
* Naturally raised lamb
* Organic raw dairy products (butter, cheese, milk, cream)
* Coconut oil
