Not all saturated fats are created equal!

Contrary to popular belief, not all saturated fats are unhealthy. The way most food is processed in this country is what makes it unhealthy. We all need a certain amount of saturated fat in our diet. Saturated fat is needed for many functions in the body.

Red meat and high fat dairy are the main sources of saturated fat that we are told to avoid. Most cows live their short life on factory farms and Concentrated Animal Feeding Organizations. Not only are these cows unhappy, but they are unhealthy as well. These cows are fed an unnatural diet of mostly corn. In addition to an increased risk of E coli, this diet makes the cows produce fattier beef. This beef is higher in omega-6, whereas grass fed cows produce beef and milk high in omega-3s.

Coconut oil is another saturated fat that has gotten a bad rap. The processing is what makes this fat unhealthy. I believe that organic, expeller-pressed, extra-virgin coconut oil is one of the healthiest fats. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Not only is coconut oil good for cooking and baking, it is also a wonderful moisturizer. One of my daughters had diarrhea recently which gave her a very persistent case of diaper rash. After using diaper rash cream for a few days I decided to try coconut oil. I applied a small amount to the rash before bed and in the morning it was gone.

Do unnatural things to healthy food and they become toxic. I try to follow the advice "Don't eat anything your grandma wouldn't recognize as food".