Fat is made up of collections of molecules called triglycerides. The classification
of fat as saturated or unsaturated is based on its chemical structure.
All fat is made of chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms, with oxygen atoms
attached at the end. If all the carbon atoms are bound to the most hydrogen
atoms they can possibly hold, the fat is considered saturated. If the carbon atoms
are missing hydrogen connections, the fat is considered unsaturated. Unsaturated
fat is further divided into monounsaturated (with one extra hydrogen bond
missing) and polyunsaturated (with more than one bond missing). Saturated fats,
such as butter, are solid at room temperature and below. Monounsaturated fats,
such as olive oil, are liquid at room temperature but solid when placed in the
refrigerator. Polyunsaturated oils, such as corn and soybean, are liquid at both
room temperature and when refrigerated. The human body manufactures both
saturated and monounsaturated fats when we gain weight to store energy and for
cellular repair. It is a basic metabolic process for survival.
- Saturated Fat (Excellent)
Saturated fat is found in coconut and palm oils, dairy products, and in animal
products to some degree. Probably the single greatest nutritional myth of past
decades has been that saturated fat is unhealthy. A huge body of research
published in respected medical journals shows the exact opposite is true. Sadly,
the majority of people never hear about it.
Eating foods rich in saturated fat, such as eggs and butter, boosts the
production (and thereby the effects) of hormones whose structures are built upon
cholesterol. These are the steroid hormones, which include the female and male
sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Sex hormones keep you
looking young, enhance sex drive, and prevent wrinkles and osteoporosis.
Saturated fat is also needed for the production of adrenal sex hormones like
DHEA. DHEA is a hormone that prevents autoimmune diseases. It has been
linked to longevity and also enhances your sex drive. Imagine the harm you’re
doing to yourself when you deprive your body of these good fats. As you
incorporate saturated fat back into your diet, don’t be ashamed or surprised if
your sexual partner starts to complain about your high sex drive. That’s a sign of
good sex hormones levels.
Saturated fat is also needed for the proper functioning of your cells. Saturated
fat improves the body’s proper absorption and conversion of essential fatty acids
like omega-3 fatty acids. Saturated fat is also needed for calcium to be deposited
into the bones.
I know you might be thinking, “Great, Doc, you’ll help me balance my