Many people think that a low-fat diet is the key to good health, but the truth is that not all fats are bad for you. In fact, your body needs certain fats to function properly.
These “good” fats, also known as essential fatty acids, can improve your skin, boost your brainpower, and even help you lose weight.
If you’re not getting enough of these healthy fats, your body could be showing signs of it in several ways. Here are 30 signs that you may need to incorporate more good fats into your diet:.
1. Dry Skin
Essential fatty acids are the building blocks of healthy skin. Without enough of them, your skin can become dry, flaky, and even itchy. If you’re constantly battling dry skin, adding more healthy fats to your diet could help.
2. Acne
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not just a problem for teenagers. Adults can also suffer from acne, and it can be caused by a lack of essential fatty acids.
These fats help to regulate oil production in the skin, which can prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
3. Dandruff
Just like your skin, your scalp can also benefit from essential fatty acids. A lack of these healthy fats can lead to dandruff and a dry, itchy scalp.
4. Brittle Nails
Your nails are made up of protein and fat, and without enough of the right kind of fat, they can become brittle and weak. If your nails are constantly breaking or peeling, adding more healthy fats to your diet may help.
5. Poor Memory
Your brain is made up of mostly fat, and it needs a steady supply of essential fatty acids to function properly. Without these fats, you may experience poor memory and difficulty concentrating.
6. Mood Swings
The fats in your diet can also affect your mood. A lack of essential fatty acids can lead to mood swings, irritability, and even depression.
7. Dry Eyes
Essential fatty acids are also important for eye health. A lack of these fats can lead to dry eyes, redness, and even vision problems.
8. Joint Pain
Healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce joint pain and inflammation. If you’re experiencing joint pain, adding more good fats to your diet, such as omega-3 fatty acids, could help.
9. Trouble Losing Weight
Believe it or not, eating more fat could actually help you lose weight. Essential fatty acids can boost your metabolism and help you feel fuller for longer, which can lead to weight loss.
10. Fatigue
If you’re constantly feeling tired, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough healthy fats in your diet. These fats help to provide energy and reduce fatigue.
11. High Cholesterol
While some fats are bad for your cholesterol levels, others can actually help to lower them. Essential fatty acids can help to improve your cholesterol profile and reduce the risk of heart disease.
12. Poor Circulation
Healthy fats can also improve your circulation, which can lead to better overall health. A lack of these fats can lead to poor circulation, cold hands and feet, and even numbness or tingling in the extremities.
13. Dry Mouth
If you’re constantly feeling parched, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet. These fats help to lubricate the mucous membranes in your mouth and prevent dryness.
14. Insomnia
Essential fatty acids can help to regulate your sleep patterns and improve the quality of your sleep. Without enough of these healthy fats, you may experience insomnia or other sleep disturbances.
15. High Blood Pressure
Healthy fats can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. A lack of these fats can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
16. Cravings
If you’re constantly craving sweets or other unhealthy foods, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough healthy fats in your diet. These fats help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.
17. Depression
Essential fatty acids have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and can even help to reduce symptoms of depression. If you’re feeling down, adding more healthy fats to your diet could help.
18. Hormonal Imbalances
Healthy fats are important for hormone production and can help to balance your hormones. A lack of these fats can lead to hormonal imbalances and a range of health problems.
19. Dry Hair
Just like your skin, your hair can also benefit from essential fatty acids. A lack of these fats can lead to dry, brittle hair and even hair loss.
20. Reduced Immunity
Healthy fats play a role in supporting your immune system and can help to prevent illness and disease. Without enough of these fats, your immunity may be compromised.
21. Mood Disorders
Essential fatty acids have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and can even help to reduce symptoms of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
22. Inflammation
Healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. A lack of these fats can lead to chronic inflammation and a range of health problems.
23. Diabetes
Essential fatty acids can improve insulin sensitivity and help to regulate blood sugar levels. A lack of these fats can contribute to the development of diabetes.
24. Infertility
Healthy fats are important for reproductive health and can even help to improve fertility. A lack of these fats can lead to infertility in both men and women.
25. Dull Skin
If your skin is looking dull and lifeless, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet. These fats help to nourish and moisturize your skin, giving it a healthy glow.
26. Poor Digestion
Healthy fats can help to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of digestive disorders such as IBS and Crohn’s disease. A lack of these fats can contribute to poor digestion and a range of gastrointestinal problems.
27. Allergies
Essential fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation and improve immune function, which can help to prevent allergies and allergic reactions.
28. Poor Wound Healing
Your body needs healthy fats to help repair and regenerate cells, including those involved in wound healing. A lack of these fats can result in slow or poor wound healing.
29. Premenstrual Syndrome
Healthy fats can help to regulate hormones and reduce symptoms of PMS such as mood swings, bloating, and cramps. A lack of these fats can contribute to more severe PMS symptoms.
30. Memory Loss
Not only can healthy fats improve your memory and cognitive function, but a lack of these fats can also lead to memory loss and dementia.
Conclusion
As you can see, getting enough healthy fats in your diet is crucial for good health. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign that you need to incorporate more essential fatty acids into your diet.
Some good sources of these fats include fatty fish, avocado, nuts and seeds, and olive oil.