If you wish to truly make the most out of your Spatz3 gastric balloon, it is essential to understand healthy fats and the role they play within the body. As this can be somewhat of a tricky subject, our team has created this article so that you can obtain a bit of much-needed guidance.
We will examine some of the most common healthy dietary fats, where they can be found and how they can increase your ability to lose weight. It will then be much easier to formulate an equally healthy diet with plenty of variety.
What Are Healthy Fats?
Contrary to popular belief, not all fats and oils are bad for the body. There are some which are capable of producing a host of beneficial effects. These are generally classified as unsaturated fats (mono- and polyunsaturated fats). You might have also heard these substances being referred to as “good” fats.
These types of fats have been linked with a host of healthy benefits. They can lower inflammation, reduce blood pressure, decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and even improve the appearance of your skin. One of the most well-known examples of such fats can be seen in omega acid chains (omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids).
The Top Ten Sources of Healthy Fats
We have already seen that healthy fats can be grouped into two classes: monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Now that the technical jargon is out of the way, what foods offer ample concentrations of these substances? You will be happy to learn that there are many options to consider. Here are ten sources which can be easily included within your current dietary regimen:
- Avocados.
- Salmon (high in omega-3 fatty acids).
- Sugar-free Greek yoghurt.
- Nuts (such as cashews and walnuts).
- Chia seeds.
- Olive oil.
- Coconut oil.
- Dark chocolate.
- Whole eggs.
It is also no coincidence that these very same foods feature heavily within Mediterranean diets, as these diets have always been associated with a healthy cardiovascular system and fewer instances of hypertension.
Are These Fats Really Healthy?
It pays to address yet another important topic before moving on. While we have dispelled the myth that all fats are unhealthy, might some of these foods present issues if consumed in excess? Although the majority are high in unsaturated fats, many (such as whole eggs) will also contain moderate levels of cholesterol. This is why adopting a more moderate approach is the best way to ensure that your body is receiving all of the aforementioned benefits with no unintended negative consequences.
Understanding Healthy Fats by Reading the Fine Print
As a general rule of thumb, many fruits, vegetables and nuts contain ample amounts of healthy fats. However, certain brand name products may actually offer a mixture of both good fats and bad fats. Commercially produced olive oil is a potential example. It is therefore wise to carefully read the ingredients and when possible, to only purchase products that have been derived from purely organic sources.
Furthermore, remember that some meals that claim to provide a potent source of healthy fats could also be high in other substances such as artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. This is why it is always wise to carefully read the ingredients. If you notice chemicals that are unfamiliar or the presence of saturated fats (such as palm oil and stearic acid), it could be better to search for a substitute as opposed to committing to a purchase.
Separating "Fat" from Fiction
It is rather unfortunate that all types of dietary fat tend to be grouped into a single category. Unsaturated fats represent a crucial component of any effective diet and their long-term advantages cannot be denied. The key here is to appreciate which foods provide the highest concentrations as well as knowing how to sift through the “fluff” that is often associated with brand-name products. You can then develop a more well-rounded approach.
While you might already enjoy the effects provided by the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon, these advantages can be further enhanced by modifying your diet to include some of the recommendations outlined above. An in-depth understanding of healthy fats will provide your body with the ability to thrive as opposed to merely survive.
