I am just going to write a few words today on the importance of fat to our bodies. Many Americans spend their whole lives hating themselves for having what they perceive as "too much" fat. We have become obsessed with low-fat and nonfat foods. Although nature certainly gives us plenty of low-fat and nonfat fruits and vegetables, eating a low- or nonfat diet for most Americans means eating lots of pre-packaged foods that have been loaded with sugar and chemicals to make them taste good. This is a poor trade-off. Our bodies do not know how to process all of those chemicals that are used to compensate for lack of fat. Our detoxification systems become clogged up and tired, and in the long run, disorders such as gallstones, acid reflux, and chronic constipation can manifest.
Did you know that not getting enough fat also can cause health problems? Signs of insufficient fat intake include hair loss, insomnia, arthritis, anxiety, forgetfulness, weak bones, and menstrual disorders.
Rather than being paranoid about fat intake, it is more beneficial to eat healthy fats that provide nourishment to the nerves, vital organs, and bones. Healthy fats come from whole foods such as sesame seeds, whole milk, and avocados. Sautéing vegetables in ghee is an excellent way to get healthy fat into the body and add wonderful flavor to a meal.
In Ayurveda we recommend regular oil massage to deliver oil through the skin deep into the tissues. Different oils are used for each dosha and dosha-balancing herbs are frequently added to the oil. Sesame oil is typically used for Vata skin, coconut for Pitta, and Sunflower for Kapha. Massaging herbal oil into the skin delivers beneficial nutrients all the way into the nerves. Rubbing oil on the feet at bedtime is a wonderful way to calm the nervous system and aid restful sleep.
Did you know that not getting enough fat also can cause health problems? Signs of insufficient fat intake include hair loss, insomnia, arthritis, anxiety, forgetfulness, weak bones, and menstrual disorders.
Rather than being paranoid about fat intake, it is more beneficial to eat healthy fats that provide nourishment to the nerves, vital organs, and bones. Healthy fats come from whole foods such as sesame seeds, whole milk, and avocados. Sautéing vegetables in ghee is an excellent way to get healthy fat into the body and add wonderful flavor to a meal.
In Ayurveda we recommend regular oil massage to deliver oil through the skin deep into the tissues. Different oils are used for each dosha and dosha-balancing herbs are frequently added to the oil. Sesame oil is typically used for Vata skin, coconut for Pitta, and Sunflower for Kapha. Massaging herbal oil into the skin delivers beneficial nutrients all the way into the nerves. Rubbing oil on the feet at bedtime is a wonderful way to calm the nervous system and aid restful sleep.