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Of all the macronutrients our bodies need, fat has survived numerous attempts at character assassination in the media. Animal fat, especially, has been at the receiving end of bad press and demonization for decades. From the low-fat craze that was all the rage in the ‘80s and the breakthrough of veganism at the start of the millennium, to today’s constant warning about ‘artery-clogging’ foods and obsession with calorie counts.
But get ready for this: the reality is that the right kinds of fat are not only safe, they are essential. Healthy fats fuel our cells, balance hormones, protect proper brain functioning, and help the body absorb important fat-soluble micronutrients. The problem isn’t fats as such, it’s the kind of fat we’ve been told to eat.
Today, we break down the truth about seed oil and why long-forgotten nutrient-rich animal fats deserve a prime spot on your plate. If you work out with a personal trainer in Vacaville, or you’re looking to establish a sport-specific workout to stay on top of your game, what we have to say today might interest you. Let’s cut through years of noise and try to redeem 3 healthy types of animal fat.
The media is constantly bombarding us with seed oil narratives with catch phrases like ‘heart healthy’, but the truth is far less tasty. Canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn oils don’t come naturally. Before they make it to our pans and plates, they first have to go through a complicated industrial process. Manufacturers use high heat, chemical solvents, and pressure to extract oil from seeds. By the time that oil makes its way into the bottle and the supermarket shelf, it’s usually oxidized and stripped of most of its natural nutrients.
But the rabbit hole is even deeper than that. Seed oils are loaded with omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. While our bodies welcome a certain amount of omega-6 fatty acids, the modern diet is full of them. When consumed in excess, polyunsaturated fatty acids become unstable and start triggering inflammatory processes at the cellular level. These oils are in practically everything we eat, from salad dressings and chips to frozen meals and ‘healthy’ protein bars. Over time, this leads to numerous health issues like insulin resistance, heart disease, oxidative stress, and uncontrolled weight gain.
But if an excess of seed oils is sabotaging my health and efforts to power up my body, what should I reach for instead? According to the leading experts in nutrition and wellbeing, like Dr. Catherine Shanahan, Dr. Eric Berg, Dr. Ken Berry, Dr. Mindy Pelz, and Dave Asprey, the answer lies in embracing ancient knowledge of our ancestors. In keeping with the ancestral diet and the numerous benefits it brings, we present 3 healthy and natural fats humans have been eating for centuries. These animal fats are stable, nutrient-rich, and beneficial for your overall wellness and long-term fitness goals:
Butter is one of those delicious fats that acquired a bad rap during the low-fat craze. However, modern science has shown over the last years that traditional cultures were right all along. Grass-fed butter that comes from pasture-fed animals would be classified as a superfood nowadays if it hadn’t been so unfairly singled out over the years. It’s packed with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K2, which are essential for bone health, hormonal stability, and a strong immune system. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) that supports metabolic health and plays a positive role in weight management. What’s not to like there? And, yes, it makes everything taste so creamy and lush.
Ever wondered why today's burgers are so oily and leave you wanting more? Long before the introduction of canola and palm oils, home kitchens and restaurants across the country were using beef tallow as their cooking fat of choice. Tallow is a nutrient-rich option that provides a natural balance of saturated and monounsaturated fats. It’s also a natural source of fat-soluble micronutrients and incredibly stable under high heat. Its high smoke point of 480 °F (249 °C) makes it ideal for frying and roasting because it doesn’t produce harmful compounds like most seed oils do. Unfortunately, the switch from tallow to industrial oils wasn’t based on science, or even taste. It was based on marketing and corporate profitability. Bringing back tallow to your kitchen is a no-brainer, simple step toward a vital body that feels energized and ready to perform.
Last but not least, we single out ghee. No mysteries here, ghee is essentially butter with milk solids removed. This leaves behind pure golden pure that is lactose-free, making it a valuable option for people with sensitivities. Ghee retains all the fat-soluble vitamins of butter, but it has an even higher smoke point. This makes it perfect for high-heat sautéing or searing. Celebrated in many ancient cultures for its nourishing, tasty, and healing fats, it supports gut health, provides steady energy, and brings mouthwatering flavors to meals, sweet or savory.
If you’re looking for ways to maintain healthy insulin function, a steady and optimal weight, good gut and joint health, and a high-performing body that is always ready for action, come down to Maximum Fitness and we’ll set you on the right path. As the leading health and athletic club in Solano County and beyond, we offer high-end equipment, science-based programs with body and sport-specific focus, and personable trainers with appropriate certification and motivational prowess.
Stop believing in mainstream myths that get you nowhere. We’ll help you reconnect with ancient practices that have made humans the kings of the jungle, instead of the low-energy, passive couch potatoes of today. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free health consultation and more info on the ins and outs of transformational health! Contact us today!
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