Dietary Fats and Omega Fatty Acids

Like carbohydrates and protein fat supplies energy. Fat is a concentrated source of energy, supplying 9 calories per gram. Fats are used to store energy in the body, insulate body tissues, and play an important role in the absorption and transport of fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D and K through the blood.

Fats are composed of building blocks called fatty acids. There are 3 major categories of fatty acids - saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.

Examples of Foods High in Omega Fats

Example of Good Oils

More Definative Explanation from Hail Merry!

Omega 3 & Omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered essential because we must obtain them from our diet.  Did you know that Omega 3 is a highly effective anti-inflammatory good for preventing heart disease, arthritis and many other degenerative diseases? While we need Omega 3 & 6 to be healthy, we must strive for a ratio of 1:1 to 4:1 (Omega 6 to Omega 3). Typical American diets are 11 – 30 times more Omega 6 than Omega 3, which leads to cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis and autoimmune diseases.   We also should consume these EFA’s in their raw, unheated whole food state in order to maximize their health benefits. 

One of nature’s richest sources of essential fatty acids is found in raw nuts and seeds. Hail Merry® granola is loaded with Omega 3 raw flax seeds & raw walnuts and is also properly balanced with Omega 6 raw sunflower seeds to keep your engine humming and your skin glowing.

POLYUNSATURATED FATS:

Polyunsaturated fats are just that highly “un-saturated”.  Sounds good right?  Polyunsaturated oils become toxic when they are exposed to oxygen, heat, or light through oxidation (unlike saturated fats which are more stable).  This causes the oil to become rancid and laden with free radicals.  Free radicals deplete our antioxidant reserves leading to tissue damage and disease.

We need polyunsaturated fats (omegas 3 & 6) in our diet to maximize health but oxidized versions contained in processed/heated oils can be very harmful.  Hail Merry dehydrates her Grawnola 369 & Macaroons at 115 degrees in order to protect the healing polyunsaturated essential fatty acids.

MONOUNSATURATED FATS:

Monounsaturated fats (Omega 9) such as those found in raw macadamia nuts, raw almonds, cold pressed olive oil and avocados are very healing to the body.  These Omega 9 fats are high in Oleic Acid.  Oleic Acid is known to decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.  Hail Merry® Macadamia Dip, Macaroons, Miracle Tart and Granola Royale are a rich source of these healthy monounsaturated fats.

CHOLESTEROL AND SATURATED FATS:

Cholesterol is only present in animals and humans.  Human bodies actually manufacture cholesterol for proper hormone functioning.  However excess cholesterol consumption can be very dangerous.  Plant based fats like that of olive oil or coconut oil do NOT contain cholesterol. All Hail Merry® Snacks contain zero cholesterol.

Coconut oil was wrongfully tainted as an artery clogging fat back in the 70’s.  It actually is comprised mainly of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCT’s). These MCT’s are liquid at 76 degrees and remain liquid in our bodies.  They also quickly convert to energy and are most likely NOT going to be stored as body fat like long chain animal fats.  Coconut oil is also very stable therefore does not oxidize easily to create free radical damage.  Athletes consume 1-2 tablespoons of MCT’s before competitions for added energy!

Coconut oil also contains Lauric Acid, known to be anti-bacterial/viral. How’s that for cleaning your engine!  Coconut oil is what makes Hail Merry® Macaroons and Miracle Tart so rich tasting.