Fats - A Necessity For Healthy And Happy Skin

The word fat immediately has a negative connotation in most people’s minds.   People have been trying to lose fat for decades.  Now, research suggests that fat is good.  In fact, the right kind of fact can be very good for your body, your brain and your skin. 

To understand fat, you must understand the different types of fat first.

According to the American Heart Association, these are the main types of fats:

• Saturated fats - Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature. Saturated fats occur naturally in many foods. The majority come mainly from animal sources, including meat and dairy products.

• Trans fats - There are two broad types of trans fats found in foods: naturally-occurring and artificial trans Naturally occurring come from animal sources, including meat and dairy. Artificial fats are just as the name implies, artificially created and added to foods to keep the oils in a solid state.  Used in processed foods and baked goods.

• Monounsaturated & Polyunsaturated fats – Oils that stay liquid at room temperature. A few examples include, avocado, almonds and vegetable oils.

Pic: Amaranth Seed, a Source of Squalene

According to Web MD, the good fats are monounsaturated & polyunsaturated fats, they are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease.  Mediterranean countries consume lots of monosaturated fats primarily in the form of olive oil.  Olive oil is a good source of antioxidant vitamin E and squalene.  Two amazing ingredients when it comes to fighting free radicals and photoaging.

Vitamin E is a nutrient that helps support the immune system, skin health and cell function.  It also serves an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Vitamin E levels in our bodies tend to decrease with age.  Natural foods sources of vitamin E include nuts, fish, green vegetables and sunflower and olive oil.  Vitamin E can also be absorbed when applied topically.

Squalene is naturally occurring in your body.  Produced by the liver, squalene keeps skin and other tissues hydrated.  As we age, our production of squalene decreases resulting in dry, less supple skin.  So how can we keep our Squalene levels from decreasing?  By consuming and using foods and products with naturally occurring sources of squalene. 

Traditionally, shark liver oil was primarily used as a source for squalene.  But, thankfully, plant-based sources exist and are becoming more and more accessible.  Amaranth seed is a great source of squalene.  The oil from the seeds can we consumed or applied directly to the skin.  Other sources include, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil and rice bran.

Good fats (monosaturated fats) and particularly goods nutrients such as Vitamin E and squalene are beneficial for healthy beautiful skin.  Both are coming increasingly popular as more people learn about their natural humectant properties and their ability to help fight against ultra violet damage.