How the War on Fat Is Harming Your Health
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 11, 2024
For decades, we’ve been taught to fear fat. Low-fat and fat-free products have been practically shoved down our throats.
It’s been drilled into our heads that fat is enemy no. 1. But what if I told you that this fat phobia is likely doing far more harm than good?
In fact, a “forgotten fat” could be the key to unlocking better health, and you’ve probably been avoiding it all along.
Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0 for short) is an essential fatty acid that’s been hiding in plain sight.
This odd-chain saturated fatty acid is the new kid on the block in nutrition science and it’s making waves in the health world.
Now a groundbreaking study published in The Journal of Nutrition has shed new light on this unsung hero. And the results are eye-opening.
Researchers put C15:0 to the test in a group of obese volunteers. What they found was remarkable:
- Liver health got a significant boost. Participants saw a dramatic decrease in liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase.
- Blood health improved, with a notable increase in hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen).
But that’s not all—the study suggests that this forgotten fat may be a secret weapon in managing metabolic dysfunction, the underlying issue behind liver disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.
Now, if you’re wondering why you haven’t heard about it before, the answer is simple. The war on saturated fat has been indiscriminate.
We’ve thrown the baby out with the bathwater, so to speak, cutting out beneficial fats along with the harmful ones.
So, here’s how to get more of this super fat into your diet…
- Embrace full-fat dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of C15:0.
- Don’t fear red meat: Grass-fed beef is particularly rich in this essential fatty acid.
- Consider supplements: C15:0 supplements can be pricey, but if you can afford them, they’re worth the investment to ensure they’re getting enough.
However, here’s the real kicker: C15:0 might just be the tip of the iceberg. It’s one of many beneficial fats many of us are missing.
The truth is our fear of saturated fat could be contributing to the obesity epidemic and other chronic diseases we’re facing today.
We need to change how we think about fats. Broad claims about “good” and “bad” fats oversimplifies a complicated problem. We need to work on understanding nutrition in a more complex way.
As we await more research on C15:0 and other potentially beneficial fats, it’s clear that a balanced approach to nutrition is vital. That means you should feel free to include some full-fat dairy or a juicy organic steak in your diet.
Remember, when it comes to health, it’s not always about cutting things out. Sometimes, it’s about rediscovering what we’ve been missing all along.
P.S. Get the REAL “skinny” on saturated fat RIGHT HERE.
Source:
Miranda K Robinson, Euyhyun Lee, et al., Pentadecanoic Acid Supplementation in Young Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial, The Journal of Nutrition, Published: July 26, 2024, <doi. org /10.1016 /j.tjnut.2024.07.030>
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...