Despite what you may believe, fats are not completely bad for your system.
There are particular types of fats that are considered to be good for your body since they have the ability to stimulate energy, protect vital organs, and help keep your body warm.
Check out the following information provided by the Chiropractors at AICA College Park in order to understand how you can maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Good Fats vs. Bad Fats
Bad fats increase cholesterol levels and can have a dramatic impact on your respiratory system, your musculoskeletal system, and your heart.
Polyunsaturated fats are considered to be healthy for your body and actually help reduce total cholesterol levels. Because our bodies are not able to naturally produce healthy fats on their own, you should consume nuts, plant-based oil, various types of fish, and flaxseeds on a regular basis.
The Relationship Between Stress and Fats
Stress can have a profound affect on the body that can lead to a number of critical conditions that range from chronic anxiety to heart attacks.
In a recent medical study conducted by Harvard Medical School, two groups of women were set up to determine the relationship between stress and fats. The first group of women consumed high-fat meals, while the other group ate the same meals, only they were prepared with various types of healthy fats.
The results of the study saw that the group who consumed a high-fat, high-calorie diet were able to burn less calories when exposed to stress.
Healthy Foods that Support an Active Lifestyle
You can prevent stress with the type of healthy foods you choose to consume.
Particular meals that contain tryptophan help control hunger cravings and produce chemicals that help you feel great. Foods such as: tofu, fish, beans, lentils, seeds, and nuts are all easily available and should be consumed on a regular basis for those who suffer from chronic stress.
Other types of foods that contain probiotics help stimulate brain activity in ways that allow your body to naturally cope with stress. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids like salmon help reduce the harmful impact of stress hormones.
Blueberries are excellent for fending off stress as the antioxidants within them also help your body respond better to stress. For those who consider themselves to be “chocolate lovers,” you might like to know that dark chocolate is an excellent source of healthy fat!
Seeds such as flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds contain magnesium, which helps control emotional fluctuations and mood swings. Avocados are also contain high levels of healthy fats, which helps you feel full and allows you to avoid “stress eating” (when you eat a tremendous amount of food in a short period of time as a means for coping with stress).
Learn More About Healthy Fats and Stress Management from AICA College Park
The Chiropractors at AICA College Park have served the greater community for over 20 years and have a tremendous amount of experience supporting weight and stress management.
You can learn more about maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle by scheduling a consultation with one of our Chiropractors. Simply fill out our online submission form or call our College Park office at (404) 592-0319.