Let us discuss plant fat today ladies.
When we think of fats, we often picture animal sources like dairy and meat. But did you know that plant fats are actually designed for our bodies? They’re essential for our health, playing a crucial role in forming our cell membranes, which are the communication hubs within our bodies. Without these lipids, our bodies couldn’t function.
Plant fats are also a fantastic source of energy. Our bodies love to store these lipids for later use. Plus, they’re a key part of many hormones and vitamins, especially the fat-soluble ones like Vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins need lipids to be absorbed from our gut, making them vital for our overall health.
Now, not all fats are created equal. Essential fatty acids are our friends, but we need to be mindful of saturated fats.
As a herbalist, I focus on fatty acids.
Herbalists often turn to a fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid, found in the seeds of herbs like borage and evening primrose. This fatty acid is known for its anti-inflammatory, immune-enhancing, and cardiovascular-regulating properties. Another important fatty acid is alpha-linolenic acid, found in flax seeds. While we often use herbs in their dried form or as tinctures, when it comes to harnessing their fatty acids, taking their seed oils internally is the best way to go.
How do I get the benefits of the herbs into my body?
You can take these oils in capsule form, drizzle them over a salad, or if you’re feeling brave, swallow them from a teaspoon.
Plant-derived fatty oils are also commonly used in herbal medicine for external preparations. They form the base of ointments, balms, creams, and lotions. They’re also great for absorbing the active constituents of other herbs. Herbalists often infuse oils with herbs like St. John’s wort, Marigold, Daisy, and Comfrey.
Remember, extracting the goodness from plants often requires specific methods. For instance, the carbohydrates in mucilage need to be extracted in water, while the therapeutic fatty acids are best accessed by pressing the fatty oil from a plant.
So, let’s embrace the power of plant fats and nourish our bodies the way nature intended. I make my own medicine follow me and I will show you how.
Mindfulness is knowing why you are making this change in your health…
- Reducing Premature Death Risk: Studies have shown that including healthy plant fats in your diet can reduce the risk of premature death.
- Heart Health: Consuming plant fats can help reduce the risk of heart disease. They can lower “bad” cholesterol levels and raise “good” cholesterol levels.
- Regulating Blood Sugar Levels: Plant fats can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for women with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes.
- Lessening Inflammation: Plant fats have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Hormone Balance: Fats are necessary for hormone production. Consuming enough plant fats is important for maintaining hormone balance.
- Absorption of Vitamins: Fats are necessary to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K as well as some phytonutrients.
- Satiety and Meal Satisfaction: Fats play a role in satiety and meal satisfaction, helping you feel full and satisfied after meals.
- Weight Management: Plant-based diets can promote a healthy weight and disease prevention.
- Leaner Body Composition: A diet rich in plant-based foods can lead to a leaner body composition.
Take a self-love internal healing journey with Shamara Daniels
My name is Shamara Daniels and I am a natural health consultant for women. I take each of my clients on a self-love internal healing E-book journey. If I work one on one with you your journey is catered to your specific needs. Some women need meal plans, others need workout plans for beginners, some need herbal remedies, and others need nutrition therapy. That is the beauty in a self-love internal healing journey, it belongs to you. You are challenging yourself to become a better version of “you” every day.