Natrural Fats in the Right Proportion

Natural fats are a part of a healthy diet. They are amongst some of the healthiest foods you can eat, not health hazards.

The health benefits of natural fats comes from getting the correct balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat shown to have positive effects on many chronic health conditions including heart disease, obesity, brain function and immune system regulation. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in many processed foods and can interfere with the functioning of the Omega-3's.

As often found in nature, balance is the key. We need both Omegas 3's and Omega 6's but in the correct ratio. Studies on diets over the course of time show humans have ingested about equal amounts of Omega 6's and Omega 3's. In the last 75 years Omega-6 consumption has soared and an approximate 20:1 ratio now exists. This is ten times the amount of Omega 6 fatty acid that is considered to be healthy.

Omega 6 fatty acids are primarily found in vegetable oils, processed foods and grain fed meat. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold water fish like salmon and organic meats. To tip the scales back towards a more health ratio try the following:

* Eat organic meats

* Avoid processed food

* Regularly eat cold water fish or take a daily supplement of fish oil

These simple steps will bring your own bodies store of natural healthy fats back to the right proportion. Failure to do so could put you at risk for several chronic conditions.

Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and the President of The International Fitness Academy. For more cutting edge fitness and nutrition topics go to http://www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com