When it comes to nutrition, fats are often misunderstood and demonised. However, fats are an essential component of a healthy diet and play crucial roles in various bodily functions. In this article, we will explore the reasons why we need fats, the different types of fats, their recommended intake, and the importance of choosing healthy fats for your meal preparation. We'll also shed light on the dangers of cheap vegetable oils and emphasise our commitment to using heart-healthy oils in our meal prep services.

Why We Need Fat in Our Diet:

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Fuel Source:

Fats serve as a concentrated source of energy, providing the body with a readily available fuel source. They are especially important during endurance activities or prolonged periods of exercise when the body relies on stored fats for energy.

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Protection of Vital Organs:

Fats act as a protective cushion for our vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. They help absorb shock and prevent damage in case of impact or trauma.

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Cell Membrane Constituents:

Certain fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are integral components of cell membranes. They help maintain the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes, ensuring proper cellular function.

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Precursors of Bile, Hormones, and Steroids:

Fat is involved in the production of bile, which aids in digestion and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, fats serve as precursors for the synthesis of important hormones and steroid compounds in the body.

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Fat-Soluble Vitamin Intake:

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they require fat for proper absorption. Including healthy fats in your diet ensures adequate absorption of these essential vitamins.

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Types of Fat:

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Monounsaturated Fats:

Sources include avocado, olive oil, and nuts like almonds. Monounsaturated fats are known for their heart-healthy benefits and can help improve cholesterol levels.

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Polyunsaturated Fats:

Sources include flaxseed oil, walnuts, salmon, and other fatty fish. Polyunsaturated fats contain essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for brain function and reducing inflammation in the body.

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Saturated Fats:

Sources include animal fats, butter, and coconut oil. While saturated fats have been associated with increased cholesterol levels, recent research suggests that they may not be as harmful as once believed. Moderation is key when consuming saturated fats.

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Trans Fats:

Sources include baked goods, fried foods, and processed foods. Trans fats are artificially created through the hydrogenation process and have been linked to various health issues. It's important to limit the consumption of trans fats in your diet.

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Recommended Fat Intake:

It is generally recommended that fats should make up around 20% of your daily caloric intake. However, it's crucial to ensure that your fat intake is balanced with other macronutrients and not excessive, as this can lead to a calorie surplus and weight gain. Remember that fats are calorie-dense, containing 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram of carbohydrates and protein.

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The Dangers of Cheap Vegetable Oils:

Many meal prep companies, restaurants and takeaways use cheap vegetable oils such as soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, and hydrogenated oils. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and are often heavily processed, leading to an imbalance in the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the body. Prolonged consumption of these oils can have negative effects on your health and contribute to inflammation and various chronic diseases. We strongly recommend you avoid these oils on your own meal preparation and stick to using quality oils that we use within our meal prep service that we will discuss.

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Our Commitment to Healthy Oils in Our Meal Prep:

At ONCO and our meal prep service, we prioritise your health by using quality heart-healthy oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil to cook and prepare your meals. By choosing healthier oils, we ensure that your meals are not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. We are dedicated to providing delicious meals with high nutrient quality these are our brand standards and is our and mission. If and ingredient has been shown to have an negative impact for your health it will not be in any of our recipes. ONCOs meal prep services prioritise heart-healthy oils, to ensure your meals are both nutritious and delicious.

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