John Aaron Wellness

Ever since the fat phobia of the 1980’s, I’ve been battling the misconception that all fats are evil. They are not. However, oils and fats are not all created equal. Which means some are more beneficial while others are downright dangerous. For example, heavily processed, hydrogenated, “trans” fats and oils that are used to prepare the vast majority of packaged and fast foods can be extremely damaging to the body. In contrast, fats and oils from whole foods and other high-quality sources can steady our metabolism, keep hormone levels even, nourish our skin, hair and nails and provide lubrication to keep the body functioning fluidly and even help our brains process and think more clearly. Including a small amount of high-quality fat in a meal also serves to give us a feeling of satiety, energy, fulfillment and warmth. It is when there are excess fats and oils in the diet, especially heavily processed fats, that we can experience weight gain, skin breakouts, high blood pressure, li...

No, it’s not a curse word or acronym for something dirty, but for some, it can be considered a bad word. It’s a fat. There, I’ve said it: the “F” word… Hear me out, though. MUFA isn’t just any fat. It’s a GOOD fat. It’s the kind of fat you want to get familiar with. The acronym stands for monounsaturated fatty acid. Are all fats equal? Absolutely not, and that’s why I want to inform you on this essential nutrient! Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) are a type of heart-healthy, disease-fighting "good" fat that should be part of any healthy eating plan. Used responsibly and in moderation, monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.  What’s more is that they also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells.  And, since your brain is comprised of about 60% fat (no I’m not calling you fat-head), early research indicates that consuming this type of fat might help preserve cognit...