Yes, there is such a thing as good fat. Join Thai Street Kitchen today as we unlock the mystery of good fats versus bad fats.

For years media, researchers, and health advocates were lobbying for “low fat diets”.  But, after a bit of research and experience what was discovered was cutting back on healthy fats did not in fact make people healthier.

You maybe thinking, “but, I thought fat was bad for me.” Well, the answer to that is “yes” and “no”. It is true; some fats are not good for you. But, what you may be surprised to learn is that “good fats” provide a surprisingly great amount of energy to your body. Among some of its many other important rolls, fat is needed to help build cell membranes, absorb nutrients, aid in muscle movement, and help in the clotting of blood.

What Makes One Fat Different From Another Fat?

All fats have a similar chemical structure. They consist of a chain of carbon atoms bonded to a hydrogen atom.

What makes one chain different from another? It is the length and structural make up of the chain.

Lets Look at Bad Fats

Trans fat is among the worst fat consumed today. It is a by-product of a process called hydrogenation. This process converts healthy oils into solids thus, preventing rancidity. This process of heating a vegetable oil and adding a heavy-metal catalyst to the carbon chain creates the substance on manufacturer food labels we know today as “partially hydrogenated oil”.  

Eating foods high in trans fats from fast food, commercially made sweets, and pastries has been found to increase LDL cholesterol  (bad cholesterol) in the bloodstream. Trans fats have also been linked to an increase in inflammatory response within the body.

And, as we know inflammation has been linked to many health risks including: diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer, and many other chronic diseases.

“For every 2% of calories from trans fat consumed daily, the risk of heart disease rises 23%.” ~ Harvard University

Therefore, there is no “safe” amount of trans fat consumption. These man-made artificially altered fats are bad news and should be avoided at all cost.

The Low Down On Fat: And, Why You Need It

Saturated Fat

Saturated fat for quite some time got a bad wrap due to its chemically altered counterpart “trans fat”.  A diet high in saturated fat can certainly drive up your LDL cholesterol if consumed in great quantity. However, saturated fat consumed in moderation in naturally occurring animal and plant sources has been found to be a great source of naturally occurring omega-3’s.

Omega-3’s are an essential part of brain health and, with our ever increasing omega-6 (vegetable oils) consumption the recommended 1:1 ratio can be difficult to achieve without careful diet evaluation.

Why Fat Consumption in Moderation Is Key

As you can see not all fat is created equal. There certainly is a lot of mixed information out there about what constitutes a “good fat” versus what is a “bad fat”.  And, by no means are all fats created equal. However, as you can see not all fat is bad.

Fat consumption from naturally occurring substances (plant and animal) in moderation is key to maintaining optimal health.

Some of Our Thai Street Kitchen Favorites

Coconut oil is among one of our Thai Street Kitchen favorites. Its medium-chain fatty acid make up make for easy digestion. It is a naturally occurring saturated fat. And, as we learned above naturally occurring saturated fats are a great source of naturally occurring omega-3’s.

Coconut oil has been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, it has been found to increase good cholesterol and promote over all heart health.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is certainly among another one of our top favorites. EVOO has been found to have a high amount of antioxidants thus protecting our body’s cells from damage. It has also been found to improve memory function, aid in heart health, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

At Thai Street Kitchen we use only the best and highest quality ingredients! We have fused the best of Michigan with the best of Thailand and, made your health our priority.

Disclaimer: The author of this site encourages you to consult with your physician before making any health changes. Especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. No information on this site should be relied upon to determine diet, make medical diagnosis, or determine treatment for a medical condition. 

 The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. By reading this website, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health decisions.  

Some other resources you may enjoy:

40 Uses for Coconut Oil and 2 Printable Recipes 

Fats: Why Healthy Dietary Fat Is Crucial

Fats Are Not the Problem With Dr.Weil