Healthy fats have been on trend since the "low-fat craze" of the 90s left us carb-loading and still hungry. But when we talk about "healthy fats" what are we really talking about? Lets dive into the essentials and see why extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has always and will always be in style. 

Why Fats Matter?

Fats are vital because, much like a machine operating, your body needs power to operate at full charge. Fats do everything from supporting cell growth to keeping your brain and heart healthy. They're responsible for:

Absorbing Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all fat-soluble, which means they need fat to be properly absorbed. (EVOO has tons of Vitamin E + A!!)

Fueling the Brain: Around 60% of your brain is fat. For real. So essentially healthy fats are a no-brainer for cognitive health (we had to). 

Hormone Production: Fat helps regulate and produce key hormones, keeping your body's systems running smoothly. 

Satiety: Healthy fats make meals more satisfying, keeping you fuller for longer! 

But it's important to note, not all fats are created equal. Enter: The Healthy Fats. 

The Main Types of Fats: The Good, the Bad, and the Saturated. 

Saturated Fats: Found mostly in animal products (think butter and red meat), saturated fats are okay in moderation, but it's best to avoid them in excess. They can increase 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels. 

Unsaturated Fats: These are the fats you want to incorporate into your diet. They come in two types. 

Monounsaturated Fats: Found in avocados, nuts, and EVOO, these fats help to improve cholesterol levels. (EVOO actually has 75% monounsaturated fats by volume). 

Polyunsaturated Fats: We call these fats the overachievers. Omega-3 and Omega-6 are part of this category and are known for reducing inflammation and improving heart health. (spoiler EVOO has these too!)

Trans Fats: Artificial trans fats (often found in processed foods) are not recommended in a healthy diet. But we get it, sometimes you just want a 'junk food' snack moment, just do so in small doses. 

Why We Love EVOO As a Fat?

While we may be slightly biased, EVOO isn't just any old cooking oil. It's a rich, flavorful, healthy compliment to any recipe. EVOO comes from the first pressing of olives, which means it retains more nutrients and antioxidants than other olive oils. 

Why EVOO Deserves a Spot in Your Pantry:

High in Monounsaturated Fats: A whopping 73% of EVOO's fat content is oleic acid, a superstar for heart health. 

Rich in Antioxidants: EVOO is full of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress. 

Anti-Inflammatory: EVOO's phenolic compounds are natural anti-inflammatories.

Versatile in Cooking: EVOO's smoke point is about 420 F, so it's perfect for everyday cooking. Whether it's sautéing, dipping, roasting, baking, or drizzling, EVOO will get the dish done! 

Longevity Boosting: Studies have shown people in the Mediterranean, when EVOO is a staple, live longer and healthier diets than people on other diets. 

Easy Ways to Add Healthy Fats to Your Diet

Good news: You don't need to guzzle EVOO (but you can if you want). A tablespoon a day drizzled over salads, roasted veggies, or even popcorn is a delicious way to get enough. Just make sure to look for quality oil, key words like extra virgin, single varietal, single origin, and cold-pressed are great indicators of quality oil! 

The Bottom Line

Healthy fats are essential for, well, a healthy you! And while there are plenty of fat options out there, EVOO is a standout for its flavor, versatility, and impressive health benefits. Give your body a little love with some healthy fats and some EVOO. It's heart, brain, and body-friendly!