With modern sedentary lifestyles and ever-changing diet fads, many people have no idea what is right and what’s not, for the body. One of the most adverse impacts of so much change in diets is that you may not be getting the essential nutrients the body needs to function optimally.
For example, many popular diets consider fats bad. However, as the research on fat grows, we are now learning that the right fats are essential for optimal mental health benefits.
The Truth About Fat
Fats can be four types –
• Trans
• Saturated
• Monounsaturated
• Polyunsaturated
Most trans fats can be found in foods, like margarine, packaged snacks, and frying oils. Trans fats are artificially made and should be avoided because they can put you at risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Till recently, most research indicated that saturated fat should also be avoided. But a recent study reveals that saturated fat is actually better than other fats for most people. It was found that consuming either saturated or unsaturated fats were associated with a lowered risk of stroke, heart attack, and death.
The less risky and more helpful types of fats are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
Fat is a wonderful source of energy. It is important in the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and it is a vital component in our body cells.
Fats play a critical role in brain health as they makeup brain cell membranes and affect the function of the brain cells. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially integral to brain and body health. In addition, fats also keep skin soft.
It is also true that too much of the wrong fats can cause obesity and other diseases. In fact, when more people starting decreasing good fats in their diet, overweight and obesity increased. This is because packaged food companies replaced fat with sugar, which is much more toxic than healthy fats and leads to obesity and type II diabetes.
Now, the latest research suggests that when fat is eliminated, the risk for obesity and disease increases. Fat also plays a vital role in good mental health.
By selecting the right foods, including the right types of fats, and making good lifestyle choices, you can improve your mental as well as physical well-being.

Every individual is unique, with specific health and nutritional needs. If you need specialized dietary advice for good mental health, consult an integrative psychiatrist.
If you are looking for a virtual consultation with a psychiatrist in Los Angeles, reserve an appointment with Dr. Eric Lazcano or call 310-373-1555 today! With an integrative holistic medicine approach to treating, preventing and reversing mental disorders, Dr. Lazcano provides comprehensive medical-psychiatric care that will reverse and prevent disease.