Fats are not your foe: Lifestyle coach provides 10 ways fat is essential for your health

For years, many people have seen dietary fat as something to avoid, but modern metabolic science shows a very different picture. Health coach Shashi Iyengar emphasizes that fat itself is not harmful; in fact, choosing the right kind of fats is vital for overall wellness. When consumed wisely, these nutrients play a foundational role in keeping the body strong, energetic, and balanced.

How Healthy Fats Strengthen the Body

Beneficial fats serve as a sustained source of vitality, helping you stay energized for longer stretches without sudden dips in stamina. They also act as key building blocks for hormone creation, ensuring that processes like metabolism, stress response, and reproductive health function smoothly.

Your brain relies heavily on good fats as well. They enhance mental sharpness, support memory, and assist in maintaining optimal nerve activity. Anti-inflammatory benefits are another major advantage; quality fats help calm internal inflammation, which is linked to many chronic health issues.

These nutrients are also necessary for absorbing vitamins A, D, E, and K—nutrients that directly influence immunity, bone strength, and skin health. By supporting cellular repair and improving skin texture, good fats contribute to a glowing, resilient complexion.

Another crucial role they play is helping you feel full for longer, which curbs unnecessary snacking and stabilizes appetite. They regulate blood glucose levels, reducing sharp spikes and crashes. Over time, healthy fat intake enhances metabolic adaptability, allowing the body to shift smoothly between burning fat and carbohydrates for energy. This metabolic flexibility is central to sustained wellness. Good fats also boost emotional balance by supporting neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognitive performance.

Where to Find These Beneficial Fats

Nutrient-rich fats come from sources such as ghee, butter, olive oil, coconut oil, various nuts, creamy avocados, egg yolks, and oily fish. These foods offer a wide range of essential nutrients that nourish the body deeply.

The Real Dietary Problem

Contrary to popular belief, the typical Indian diet is not overloaded with fat. Instead, most people consume excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates and industrial seed oils, which strain metabolic health.

Improving Fat Intake Transforms Health

Choosing the right fats can revitalize energy levels, balance hormones, and strengthen metabolic function, ultimately leading to a healthier and more resilient body.