Today I got into a conversation that was all about FAT! Gross, right? Well...maybe not. The question came about, Where did this negative stigma about fat come from? How long have we been afraid to consume fats? Are English speaking countries more prone to a fat miscommunication? And what happened after the low fat and fat free craze started?
First of all, how did this all start? Let's back up a ways and see. The "fat scare" all started not long after World War II. Researchers began studying fats and found some links between certain saturated fats, from sources like eggs and red meat, causing coronary heart disease. As the years went on fats remained OUT and carbs were IN. This also started the "low-fat" and "fat free" stages of food development. But more about that later.
Now, let's talk a little about fat miscommunication and why it is a larger problem in English speaking countries more so than others. First of all, the United States is leading the processed food race. I have a theory that our stigma on the word fat comes largely from it being used as an insult, adjective or physical description.
Traditionally and literally, FAT is a noun. It is a greasy substance naturally created in animals and humans and is most commonly found in a layer just under the skin. On a steak it is the white part usually around the edges. In the United States, however it is also used as an adjective. "That person is fat." vs. "That person is overweight" seem to have 2 very different meanings. When someone is fat the correlation that immediately comes to mind is "they must eat or have eaten a lot of fat". But when someone is said to be overweight their food choices and diet don't really come to mind as quickly- it remains a description.
In the Spanish language fat from food, such as steak, is usually called grasa. when a person is being referred to as being large or overweight they are called gordo. It is a description of their physical appearance, whereas grasa - fat found in food, remains a noun. These two different words that both when translated to English mean fat.
Finally, what's the deal with the fat free and low fat craze? Starting in the 1960's this fad led to even more severe health issues than evil fats were being blamed for. Now, lets come back to modern times. Because so many foods now have a fat free option it gets me wondering: how do they make it taste the same if they are taking parts of it out? I'm a little afraid to know the specific scientific truth, but the easiest way to explain it is that they add a lot of artificial chemicals and additives including processed sugar, fillers and sodium. Now, this isn't just a problem when it comes to reducing "fat" content, but also in most processed foods. The harsh truth is that corn, wheat, sodium(salt) and processed sugars are cheaper and increase shelf life, ultimately saving companies oceans worth of money by selling what some say to be an imitation product and marketing it as the real thing. But that is a story for a different post!
So all of this might be raising even more questions. But lets stick with the basics, is fat actually bad for me? I will say, natural fats are still natural and your body knows how to process it. Moderation and portion control are key in all situations it is best to have a good balance. When it comes to animal products always try to choose grass fed and organic whenever possible to ensure safety from harmful antibiotics and hormones. Avocados are another great source of healthy fats as well as nuts, olive and coconut oil, and even butter.
So now that we know where it all started, eat your fats folks! Your brain will thank you.
Until next time,
Rachael
No comments:
Post a Comment