Fat Makes You Skinny?

Yes it's true. Stop buying FitTea with your favourite Instagram models' promo codes. Spit out that disgusting blended spinach. Because it's true, fat makes you skinny.

Well, not exactly.

The 'fat' I'm referring to are lipids. And by 'skinny' I mean anti-inflammatory. I apologise for the click-bait, although you should be happy in your own skin and brands like FitTea are capitalistic ploys to get society to hate themselves. However, if you do want to feed into the system (sisSTEM hahahahaha) Kylie Jenner's FitTea code is 'KYLIE20'.

When people hear the word fat they either immediately tuck in or they scrunch up their faces in disgust. Of course there is a limit to what is healthy and what isn't, but it seems that many people are unaware of the benefits that fats have. The development in scientific research has led to the discovery of the anti-inflammatory properties of lipids.

Our body is spectacular in many ways, providing us with natural bodily functions in awe-striking ways to help us keep going, but in this case this sort of lipid is not naturally produced and we have to acquire it in the form of Omega 3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat . Fish are wealthy in Omega 3, so the consumption of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines is advantageous.

"But why??!!!!!!" I hear you cry.

Arthritis studies reveal they had found that the system detects an oncoming inflammation through the signal molecules called eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are released in the presence of arachidonic acid which is a cause of inflammation. Omega 3, increase the signals but lessen the arachidonic content, which in turn lessens the inflammation, like an 'off switch' that brings the reaction to a halt. This process is optimised by Omega 3 fatty acids, which are more powerful than the body's natural lipids. Omega 3 converts the signals into more powerful compounds which aids the anti-inflammation.

In addition, the monounsaturated Omega-9 fatty acid effectively reduces inflammation. This is because it is a source of oleic acid which exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by preventing the release of molecules that are present at the site of inflammation.

Although you've probably now realised that fat does NOT make you skinny, it IS true that fish can help you become a little less swollen, and maybe you have now realised that your idols shouldn't be the KarJenners or Ashley Benson, but in fact Nemo, Flounder or Cleo.

Sources:

https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/16771071