Eating More Healthy Fats May Extend Your Life

Contrary to what many people believe, not all fats are bad. In fact, some may actually prove beneficial to your health. According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy in Boston, consuming a diet high in "healthy" fats can prolong your life while improving your overall health.

Medical experts continue to stress the importance of reducing unhealthy fats like saturated and trans fat, both of which have been closely linked to heart disease. These unhealthy fats clog the arteries, restricting blood flow throughout the body and increasing the risk of stroke and other forms of heart disease. And with heart disease being the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States, this is something that cannot be ignored.

Rather than consuming saturated and trans fats, however, researchers are advising the public to consume more healthy fats like polyunsaturated fats. Healthy fats have the opposite effect, lowering levels of bad cholesterol while simultaneously raising levels of good cholesterol. It's a win-win scenario that really has a profound impact on one's heart health. Researchers from this stud even estimate that more than one million lives can be saved if people began to consume more healthy fats in their diet.

"Our findings highlight the importance of ending America's fear of all fat. We estimate that nearly 50,000 Americans die of heart disease each year due to low intake of vegetable oils," said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, the study's lead author.

So, which foods should you be eating more of to increase your intake of healthy fats? Fish is arguably one of the best sources of healthy fats, as it's loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, along with other beneficial nutrients like protein and vitamins. Just remember to choose wild-caught varieties and not farm-raised. Other studies have found farm-raised fish to contain harmful toxins and chemicals, which could offset the otherwise positive benefits offered by its nutritional content. Other sources of healthy fats include extra-virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, chia seeds, and eggs.

This study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.