How the War on Fat Is Harming Your Health
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
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...
Study Pinpoints Foods That Send Disease Risk Soaring
We’ve all heard that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it’s been around for so long because it’s true. And it turns out your dinner plate could secretly stoke the fires of disease in your body. A new study revealed a shocking truth about the American diet. This time it’s not about calories...
Feast Without Fear of Packing on the Pounds
With all the festive feasts and indulgent treats this holiday season, many of us are already bracing for the inevitable battle of the bulge. But is holiday weight gain really as unavoidable as we think? Let’s unwrap the truth behind this seasonal struggle (pun intended). And I’ll share some simple strategies to keep those extra...
PLAY Your Way to Better Brain Health!?
Are you convinced video games are just for kids? Well, think again! A remarkable new study suggests that playing the RIGHT kinds of games could help turn back the clock on your brain, improving cognitive performance, memory, and more. The best part? You probably already have everything you need to get started—right in your pocket…...
'Tis the Season for A Tumultuous Tummy?
The holiday season is in full swing! And you know what that means… lots of festive food, drinks, and—indigestion. But you don’t have to let a bubbly gut crash YOUR Christmas party. I’ll share some simple hacks to help you keep the festivities going… The holidays are brimming with celebrations and plenty of rich food...
These Morning Rituals WILL Change Your Life
We’ve all heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm.” But what if the early bird could do more than just catch a worm? What if those first few hours of the morning could set you up for success, improve your health, and boost your overall well-being? Welcome to the world of transformative morning...
Study Reveals We’re Breathing in Dangerous Chemicals
Think about the last time you stepped outside or even sat in your home with the windows open. Well, what if I told you that you’re likely breathing in toxic chemicals that could harm your health, no matter where you are? A recent study out of California warns that airborne toxins, called plasticizers, are everywhere....