Fat has gotten a bad reputation over the past few years, there are so many myths about fat. The “low-fat” fad diets were all the rage for years but they are starting to fizzle as more research is showing that they simply don’t work and may do more harm than good.

I’m excited to put these myths about fat to rest during my segment on Breakfast Television. The segment aired on September 12, 2018.

Myths about Fat

Myths about Fat #1 – Fat is bad for you

Not all fats are created equal! Healthy fats like Omega 3s are extremely beneficial, whereas denatured saturated fats can cause a whole host of health issues. Fat is also needed for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. I will explain this in more detail below because I think it is really important to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats.

Myths about Fat #2 – Eating fat makes you fat

If the fat you are consuming is unhealthy fat then this can be true. There are successful weight-loss diets, like the Ketogenic diet, that revolve around eating high amounts of healthy fats. Fat is very satiating so it can keep you feeling full for longer, thus reducing your chances of overeating.

Myths about Fat #3 – Low-fat diets are healthier

There was a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association that discredited this myth.  It looked at women who followed a low-fat diet for 8 years and found no significant protection against breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular disease. It found that low-fat diets don’t make us healthier or protect us against heart disease.

Myths about Fat #4 – Fat has no purpose

Fat is an amazing energy source! Healthy fat is also needed to support brain health, hormone production, and body temperature. It also supports healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Myths about Fat #5 – Foods high in fat raise cholesterol

While saturated and trans fats are linked to increased cholesterol, healthy fats are not.

Myths about Fat #6 – Processed low-fat foods are healthier

The opposite is usually true. When manufacturers process food to make it “low fat” they are removing some of the flavours along with the fat. To make up for the flavour loss, they usually add extra sugar.

The process to remove fat from food can also strip it of its nutrients. The problem is that the nutrients they add back in are the cheapest and usually least bioavailable form so we don’t really benefit from them.