Some Fat Is Healthier Than You May Think
By Tom Herrin
The general idea that many of us have about fat is that it may be due to a lack of motivation. We see ourselves in a mirror as being unattractive. Our clothes may not fit as we feel they should. Fat is usually associated with poor health. The more fat we have, the more unhealthy we may be. This is true to some extent, but not all fat is bad. It isn't even all the same. The fat we see on our bodies is very different from what we consume in the way it affects us. Understanding a little more about all of it may help.
We May Not Always Be What We Eat
Some people have the impression that someone has excess body fat because they consume a lot of fat. This may not be the case at all. While some fat may be stored this way, much of what we store as fat comes from carbs. The fat we eat usually does more in the way of collecting within our bodies. Some people may be quite thin but eat a large amount of fats. As a result, they may have more issues relating to their cardiovascular systems. Our bodies often turn fats into bad cholesterol. That can be serious.
Fat May Have Some Useful Purposes
Fat occurs in some different colors. Brown fat is the kind that babies have. As adults, we may have it as well. It is very good at helping to keep us warm. Some kinds of fats may help to create a cushion to protect organs. Fats may serve to help store vitamins as well as balance hormones and blood sugar. It is also believed that some kinds of fats are helpful in actually raising good cholesterol, so whether it is consumed or serving as body fat, it may have some beneficial uses
Measuring Fat May Help in Management
There are now several simple ways to assess the amount of body fat we have. The most common is probably done by using a BMI scale. This uses age, height, weight, and frame size to form a guide for getting an idea of just what the proportions of body fat is there in comparison to muscle and bone. While they are not entirely accurate, they can provide a good general guide for us to use in making a few minor adjustments in our plans for health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Melbourne, Fla.