Well we’re here, it’s 2012- did you make it alive or half alive? Was the hangover worth the party? Mine sure was; but now I’m ready to get back to the business of health. The holidays, although my favorite time of the year, is completely draining; all the parties and food have done a number on my body and I am more than ready to bid the holiday’s adieu for yet another year.

Years ago I gave up resolving to lose weight as a New Year’s resolution; it’s defeating and a completely intangible goal. Instead I always resolve to make the New Year, healthier than the last. So you’re probably wondering why I am advocating saturated fat; but hear me out.

For years we have had the horror of saturated fats shoved down our throats and I, like many others, didn’t ask questions; but recently the merits of a diet with the right saturated fats has been picking up steam among those who desire to lose weight and maintain an overall sense of wellbeing.

Saturated fat plays a key role in our cardiovascular health; as it reduces the level of lipoprotein in our bodies and lipoprotein has been linked to heart disease; which claimed more women than men last year. And for those of us who did resolve to lose weight, saturated fat may help in the quest for a slimmer physique. Research shows that women who diet and eat the greatest percentage of saturated fat lose more weight. This is likely caused because saturated fats signal messengers that influence metabolism- including the correct release of insulin.

And we don’t just benefit in the weight loss department; saturated fats protect the liver from medications and alcohol; and seeing as pain and arthritis medications can have seriously adverse effects on the liver, eating the right saturated fats can help offset the damage. And for healthy lung function we need a thin layer of lung surfactant- a thin coating of fat; and lung surfactant is 100% saturated fat. Replacing saturated fat with a substitute, like margarine, produces faulty surfactant and may lead to breathing problems.

“Eat Saturated Fat; and Breathe Easier?”- I like the sounds of that!

Let’s not leave our brains out of this discussion; show of hands, how many of us have experience “diet brain”, the cloudiness associated with cutting out fat? I have. This is likely because our brains are comprised of fat and cholesterol; with the bulk of it being saturated fat. Fat deficiency robs our brains of the raw materials it needs to function properly.

Strong and healthy bones are forged by the proper abortion of calcium; and calcium is more effectively metabolized by the body when saturated fats are present. And with January and February, the coldest months of year, upon us, saturated fats help boost our immunity. The fats present in butter and coconut oil (lauric and myric acid) are essential to proper immune function; by not consuming enough of these 2 amino acids hampers our white blood cells ability to destroy invaders like bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Now before everyone closes the browser and heads to McDonalds under the assumption that the golden gates lead to healthier lifestyle- STOP! Eating the right type of saturated fats is paramount; the right sources can be found in:

• Palm Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Coconut Milk
• Grass Fed Butter
• Raw Milk or Cream
• Almond Milk
• Grass Fed Meats
• Pasteurized Animal Fats
• Nuts

Eating a healthy combination of these fats with an abundance of nutrient rich leafy greens, brightly colored fruits and vegetables and whole grains cold potentially unlock the secret to weight loss and health!

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