Vegan, plant-based fats may be good for more than just brightening up a salad or adding more flavor to your dinner! According to a new study published by researchers from Harvard University, fats (especially those originating from plants) can reduce the risk of an early death by up to 26 percent.1
Healthy fats: the secret to living longer?
If you want to unlock the longevity powers of fats, you may need to swap some of your bacon and butter for a more vegetarian option. Researchers found that the key to the subjects' increased life expectancy was their consumption of unsaturated fats like those found in olive oil and salmon. Unsaturated fats (sometimes referred to as “good fat”) are often found in plant products, including pumpkin seeds, nuts, and peanut oil. Researchers concluded that the best way to take advantage of the current research surrounding the life-extending powers of fats was to work more plant-based fats into the diet, gradually replacing a portion of trans fats and saturated fats.1
Dietary fat's bad rap
For anyone who lived through the low-fat-obsessed culture of the 1990's, this new research may come as a shock. After all, haven't we been told for decades that the secret to living longer and maintaining our health is avoiding fats at all costs? The truth is that there has been a documented effort by lobbyists to shift the blame for our expanding waistlines from sugar to fat. The most recent and comprehensive research indicates that dietary fat is more than likely not the culprit behind the obesity crisis. Instead, a combination of sedentary lifestyles and increased levels of carbohydrate and sugar consumption are leading the sliding scales of America away from health.
Keto-sources of plant power
So, what are the best sources of plant-based fats? Luckily, there are a number of healthy and delicious ways to incorporate more of nature's fats into your diet without adding unnecessary carbs to your plate! Some of the keto community's favorite ways to work more natural fat sources into their diets include…
Avocados. Fatty, rich, and full of flavor! Just 20 grams of avocado provides “enough monounsaturated fats” to lower cholesterol, leading to a healthier heart. Avocado goes well with almost any type of protein.
Olive oil. In addition to being one of the fats studied by Harvard and found to increase your lifespan, olive oil also contains hydroxytyrosol, which may help you to avoid cancer.1
Edamame. An Asian cuisine superstar, edamame is packed with monounsaturated fats at a low-calorie cost…perfect for dieters who are looking to shed a few extra pounds before summer.
NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER
The content on this website should not be taken as medical advice and you should ALWAYS consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. We provide nutritional data for our recipes as a courtesy to our readers. We use Total Keto Diet app software to calculate the nutrition and we remove fiber and sugar alcohols, like erythritol, from the total carbohydrate count to get to the net carb count, as they do not affect your blood glucose levels. You should independently calculate nutritional information on your own and not rely on our data. The website or content herein is not intended to cure, prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. This website shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on the Website or actions you take as a result. Any action you take is strictly at your own risk.
Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD is an aesthetic medicine specialist whose work focuses on patients who are treated for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other weight-related issues through nutritional analysis, keto diet programs, and supporting medications.
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