Food nutrition - (3) FATS

Fat is a crucial component of any balanced diet and is an essential nutrient for human health. As professional chefs, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the role that fat plays in nutrition and how to incorporate it effectively into our dishes.

What Does Fat Do in Our Body?

Fat is an essential macronutrient that provides energy for our body, aids in the absorption of vitamins, and helps to maintain healthy skin and hair. It also plays a vital role in the development and function of our brain and nervous system. In fact, our brain is made up of 60% fat and requires a steady supply of it to function properly.

Types of Fat

It is important to note that not all fats are created equal. There are three types of fats: saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats. Saturated fats are typically found in animal products such as butter, cheese, and fatty meats. These fats are solid at room temperature and are known to increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body. On the other hand, unsaturated fats are typically found in plant-based foods such as nuts, seeds, and avocados. These fats are liquid at room temperature and are known to decrease LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Trans fats are found in processed foods and are known to increase LDL cholesterol levels.

Incorporating Healthy Fats

Incorporating healthy fats into our dishes can enhance their flavor and texture. For example, adding a small amount of olive oil to a salad can provide a rich, nutty flavor and also increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E, and K. Similarly, incorporating avocados into a dish can add a creamy texture while providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

As professional chefs, we always recommend incorporating healthy sources of fat into our dishes. Here are some sources of healthy fat to include:

• Avocado
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.)
• Seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin, etc.)
• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc.)
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil

When cooking, it is important to choose the right type of oil. Olive oil and coconut oil are great options, as they have a high smoke point and are less likely to break down into harmful compounds when heated.

It is important to note that while fats are an essential nutrient, they are also high in calories. This means that portion control is crucial when incorporating fats into our dishes. As professional chefs, we can use cooking methods such as grilling or roasting to reduce the need for added fats and still maintain a desirable texture and flavor.

Fats and Health

While consuming more fat than our body needs can lead to weight gain, not all fats are created equal. Some fats, such as those found in avocado and nuts, can actually aid in weight loss. This is because they contain fiber and protein, which can help us feel fuller for longer and reduce our overall calorie intake.

In addition, a diet too low in fat can actually hinder weight loss. This is because our body needs a certain amount of fat to function properly. When we do not consume enough fat, our body can go into starvation mode, slowing down our metabolism and making it harder to lose weight.

While some types of fat can be beneficial for our health, others can be harmful. Saturated and trans fats, for example, can increase our risk of heart disease. This is because they can raise our levels of LDL cholesterol (often called "bad" cholesterol) and lower our levels of HDL cholesterol (often called "good" cholesterol).

It is important to limit our intake of saturated and trans fats and instead focus on consuming more unsaturated fats, such as those found in fatty fish and nuts. This can help to reduce our risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Studies have shown that certain types of fat can either promote or reduce inflammation in our body. Saturated and trans fats, for example, can increase inflammation, while omega-3 fatty acids can reduce it. By choosing healthy sources of fat, such as fatty fish and nuts, we can help to reduce inflammation in our body and lower our risk of chronic diseases.

In addition, fat is essential for the development and function of our brain and nervous system. A diet high in healthy fats, such as those found in fatty fish and nuts, can improve cognitive function and reduce our risk of cognitive decline. The MIND diet, which is a combination of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, emphasizes the consumption of healthy fats and has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 53%.

Fats in Cooking

In addition to flavor and texture, fats also play an important role in cooking. Using a small amount of oil to sauté vegetables can help to evenly distribute heat and prevent sticking. Similarly, adding butter to a sauce can provide a rich, velvety texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fats are an essential component of a balanced diet and play a crucial role in nutrition and cooking. As professional chefs, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the different types of fats and how to incorporate them effectively into our dishes. By using healthy fats in moderation, we can enhance the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of our dishes while maintaining portion control and promoting overall health. So, don't forget to include healthy fats in your dishes!

Cheers,

Jamie Yang.

EDGE OF STEEL

EDGEOFSTEEL.com