We’ve been PUFAd!
posted on
January 11, 2025
Did you know that we've been PUFAd?!?!
A huge change in our dietary fat sources over the last 50-100 years has fundamentally altered the composition of fats in our bodies - this is negatively impacting metabolism, decreasing 'calories out', making it easier to gain weight.
The amount of UNSATURATED FATS has increased in our body fat stores and even in human breast milk!
This is because the composition of our body fat is directly influenced by the types of fat in our diets.
These shifts in fatty acid profiles are not just subtle—they’re reshaping our biology in ways that are both profound and concerning!
(These images are only up to 2005, can you imagine what this looks like in 2025?!?)
Humans in general are now more UNSATURATED, and want to be more SATURATED.
Why did this happen?
Over the past 70 years, there has been a dramatic shift in both agricultural practices and health messaging, resulting in significant changes to our diets—like swapping butter for PUFA-rich margarine.
Similarly, the diet of livestock (like chickens and pigs) has changed, with a large increase in unsaturated fat rich feed ingredients such as soy beans and distiller grains, which then affects the food we consume.
The saying goes - "You are what you eat".
But it's equally true -- "You are what your food eats!"
Historically, dietary fat sources were higher in saturated fats, and Linoleic Acid (an Omega 6 PUFA) made up only 1-2% of our total daily calories.
Today, some estimates suggest it accounts for 15-25%! (In addition to seed oils, there is data documenting that the highest source of linoleic acid in the American diet today is CHICKEN due to what the chickens are now eating)
Compared to our great-great grandparents, we are now far more unsaturated! Even mother's milk contains higher levels of Linoleic Acid, impacting future generations.
Why does it matter?
Having more UNSATURATED fat inside of you sends a different metabolic signal relative to being more saturated like our great-grandparents were.
It signals - WINTER IS COMING!!!
Think of what a squirrel loads up on before winter -- nuts! Which are high in UNSATURATED FATS.
This down regulates metabolism so they can hibernate during the winter.
Having more unsaturated body fat down regulates our metabolism - meaning you will have less cellular energy production, more insulin resistance, and will gain weight at fewer calories. No thanks!!
Researchers are documenting a DECLINE in our basal metabolic rates despite maintaining the same activity levels.
****So what can we do?!?****
Be mindful of our dietary fat sources and DON'T GET PUFAD!
Prioritize dairy fat, fat from beef/lamb, and eat Low PUFA chicken and pork products (including Low PUFA eggs!)
The only way to get more PUFAs in your body is through diet, since your body cannot make them. (While they may be 'essential', you get ALL that you need by just eating a real, whole food diet - it is *really* hard to be deficient unless you are a raw veggie vegan (don't do that please!) and the more is NOT merrier when it comes to PUFAs, as that leads to disastrous health consequences that I discuss in depth on our YouTube channel).
Our frustration with the conventional food system, combined with our passion on fatty acids and metabolism, inspired us to create Low PUFA food products so that you can enjoy a diet closer to what your great-grandparents once had!
What Nourish customers have to say about our LOW PUFA Chicken --
Our body fat stores will never have zero PUFA and we will never be able to consume zero unsaturated fats - that's not the goal!
Instead, let's consume the natural fatty acid profile that Mother Nature created - which is our goal here at Nourish.
Together, you, myself, our farm partners, and the small team here - we are working together to create an alternative food system from the bottom up - where health is the main priority, and zero shortcuts are taken.
Stay NOURISHed and stay SATURATED!
- Dr. Farmer Ash
