Dovydas Nesvarbu: What do you think about omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA)? Do our bodies really need them?
There is some really conflicting info about that form of fat and the debate is going on heavily. Some say they’re anti-inflammatory, others say they get rancid and oxidized in the body super easily and thus create even more oxidative stress/inflammation inside the body.
In most of the studies, omega-3 fats are placed with GMOs, and hydrogenated, refined, high omega-6 oils and that’s why in results they are less toxic. But I haven’t yet seen studies where omega-3 fats would be compared to healthy saturated and monounsaturated fats.
What is your opinion? It would be nice to get some piece of real science proving your statements!
I’d be cautious about the science here. What we’ve learned over the years is that science (especially nutritional science) often changes its mind.
If you want to know more about how scientific research is conducted and why it seems to shift so much, I recommend you read Science Set Free: 10 Paths to New Discovery by Rupert Sheldrake.
That said, I’d like to share a couple of key points with you:
A. The human body is extremely complex and science isn’t complete. In other words, we don’t know everything there is to know and, in my opinion, the current scientific paradigm isn’t well equipped to explain the complexity of the human body-mind.
Right now, for example, science tends to atomize the body into parts that are studied in isolation. But how can you study the effects of any hormone in the body without also studying the effects of a given hormone on every other hormone and physiological system?
B. In most current scientific debates, you’ll find opposition by scientific experts of equal qualification on either side of any investigation, so this is an opportunity for you to explore with and for yourself to see “what is ideal for you!”
Human beings are as different on the inside as they are on the outside, and what is “normal” varies wildly, as is very well demonstrated in the excellent book, Biochemical Individuality by Roger Williams.
So what does this mean for fats?
Well, one form of fat may be ideal for you, and create imbalance in another, even an identical twin.
As the saying goes, one man’s medicine is another man’s poison….
So I personally teach people to be their own scientist, and to develop a deep relationship with their own body-mind and soul, and let that awareness guide them to the foods that carry the best fat profile for their individual needs. Using that method, I’ve helped countless people heal from diseases and all sorts of body-mind challenges. Being your own scientist is the most important science of all.
There are lots of ways to do this, but my first recommendation is to keep a diet log and start a rotation diet. This will really help you to zero in on the kinds of foods (including fats) and portions that best support your health and well being.
You can learn about the rotation diet in my book, How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy!, or from one of my expert faculty members in Holistic Lifestyle Coaching Level 1.
What I think you’ll find when you do the rotation diet and get really tuned in to your needs: What your body wants/needs can change from meal-to-meal, day-to-day, season-to-season.
No scientific study can account for this reality. Only you can.
Love and chi,
Paul
Some additional resources for you to check out:
Know Your Fats: The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils and Cholesterol by Mary Enig
Eat Fat, Lose Fat: The Healthy Alternative to Trans Fats by Mary Enig and Sally Fallon
How to Identify Your Primal Pattern® Diet webinar
