4 Reasons To Avoid Fat Deficiency

Despite many people's beliefs to the contrary, fat is essential to human health. It supports many of the body's vital organs and prevents numerous diseases. Failing to consume enough of this essential nutrient can lead to a number of health problems. In this article I will be expanding on this topic and discussing 4 of the reasons to avoid fat deficiency.

1) INCREASED CANCER RISK:- Cancer is a disease that develops when the cells in your body start to grow in a rapid, uncontrollable way. It can cause serious damage to your body's cells and in the worst cases cancer is fatal. Monounsaturated fats and omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) have all been shown to prevent various types of cancer (including breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer). Failing to eat enough of these fats removes this protection and actually increases your cancer risk.

2) INCREASED STROKE RISK:- A stroke is a condition where the supply of blood to your brain becomes restricted. It is normally caused by blockages or bursts in the blood vessels leading to the brain. This results in the destruction of brain and nerve cells which can then cause serious problems with memory, movement and speech. High blood pressure is believed to be 1 of the main reasons for having a stroke. Eating omega 3 EFAs has been linked with reduced blood pressure so this type of fat deficiency can actually increase your stroke risk.

3) GROWTH PROBLEMS:- Protein often takes all the plaudits for proper growth and development. However, fat has a role to play in this area too. Both saturated fats and omega 6 EFAs promote healthy bone development. Being deficient in either of these fats restricts bone development and can lead to growth problems.

4) INFLAMMATION:- Inflammation is one of the body's natural responses to injury or infection and can cause heat, redness and swelling in the affected area. Inflammation in response to injury or infection is a necessary part of the healing process. However, sometimes inflammation is misdirected to healthy areas of the body which leads to unnecessary discomfort and pain. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats have both been shown to reduce the instances of misdirected inflammation within the body. Fat deficiency has the opposite effect and actually increases your risk of inflammation.

SUMMARY

Although fats are often vilified and seen as the macronutrient to avoid I hope this article has shown you that the opposite is true. Like any other essential nutrient, fats should be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet. To avoid fat deficiency you should ensure that at least 15% of your daily calories come from fat which can be done by adding dairy, fish, meat and nuts to your diet.