SACRED VESSEL HEALTH
  • Home
  • The Team
    • Meet Sarah
    • Meet Ariel
    • Meet Lexi
  • Services
    • Functional Medicine
    • Maternity Functional Medicine
    • Acupuncture & TCM
    • Nutrition
  • Books/Downloads
  • PATIENT PORTAL
  • Articles
  • Contact Us

Educate. Thrive.

Your resource for health and wellness information

Fats: Misunderstood Nutrients

10/3/2018

15 Comments

 
We have all read articles talking about fats...don't eat this fat, eat lots of this fat, etc.... How many of you actually know what kind of fat is what? What are Omega-3 fatty acids and how do they differ from Omega-6 and 9 and even Omega 7? What is polyunsaturated vs. Monounsaturated vs. saturated?

​Well, hopefully I can give you a quick break down and help with any confusions.

Fats: Misunderstood Nutrients

Picture
Written by Sarah Thompson Functional Medicine Acupuncturist & Doula

The "Dreaded" Saturated Fats

Saturated fats are generally solid at room temperature. They are classified as saturated when all the available carbon bonds are filled with hydrogen atoms. (who didn't take chemistry). They are considered highly stable, and do not spoil (go rancid) quickly, making them ideal for high temperature cooking. Found mostly in animal fats and tropical oils, your body will also make them when their is not enough present for proper organ function, from carbohydrates.

SATURATED FATS DO NOT CAUSE HEART DISEASE....overconsumption of sugar, hydrogenated fats, and the improper use/cooking fats, and many other factors attribute to cardiovascular disease, but not dietary saturated fats, as studies show.

Short Chain Fatty Acids

Short Chain Fatty Acids are always saturated. These are carbon chains of 4 or 6. 4-Carbon atoms are found primarily in butter fat from cows, while 6-Carbon chains are found mostly in butter fat from goats. Both forms have antimicrobial properties (virus, yeast, bacterial protection). They are directly absorbed for quick energy without digestion from bile and are less likely to cause weight gain than vegetable oils because of this. (See, their not all bad)

Medium Chain Fatty Acids

​These have 8-12 carbon atoms, and are found mostly in tropical oils, coconut oil and some butterfat. Like the short chain, these too have antimicrobial properties, and are absorbed quickly.

Long Chain Fatty Acids

This category overlaps and can be found Saturated, Polyunsaturated and Monounsaturated. They have 14-18 carbon atoms.
​
 Stearic Acid: 18 Carbon saturated fat found mainly in beef and mutton

Saturated Fats are GOOD for You!

  • CELL STRUCTURE: Saturated fats give our cells rigidity and structure. They constitute 50% of our cell membranes, and without it our cells would  be very weak.
  • ANTI-MICROBIAL: Specifically short and medium chain fatty acids, strengthen our immune systems and protect us against viruses, bacterial, and other micro-organisms.
  • HEART HEALTHY: Saturated fats are actually GOOD for your heart. The fat that is stored around the heart and protects the heart is highly saturated in nature. Forms of saturated fat have been shown to lower the levels of Lp(a), whose levels in the blood indicate your risk of developing heart disease.
  • INTERCONNECTED: Omega 3 Fatty acids are very healthy, but they are also very  long and difficult for the body to store. Forms of saturated fat in the tissues ensures that the Omega 3 Fatty acids are properly stored and utilized.

Monounsaturated Fats & The Mysterious Omega 7

​Monounsaturated fats contain a single double bond and therefore lack two hydrogen atoms and are "kinked". Your body can make Monounsaturated fats from Saturated fats. Because they contain a kink, they do not pack together nicely and are not solid at room temperature, but will turn solid in the refrigerator. Like Saturated fats, however, they are quite stable and do well when used in cooking. These fats are found mostly in olive oil, and in the oils from almonds, pecans, cashews, peanuts and avocados. (The exception is olive oil, this is not a good cooking oil...I already foresee another post on cooking oils.)

​Long Chain Fatty Acids

Palmitoleic Acid (Omega 7): 16-Carbon chain Monounsaturated fat that is almost     exclusively found in Liver .It is antimicrobial. . It can be found in Sea Buckthorn, Macadamia Nuts, and Algae as well. It is created from Palmitic Acid (a saturated fat). It is a key component in the formation of skin, hair and nails, and help prevent premature aging. (this is such a fascinating and little known fat, that I will have to spend a new post just discussing its benefits.)
            
Oleic Acid (Omega 9): 18-Carbon chain Monounsaturated fat found as the primary constituent of Olive Oil, and the highest known source is the Acai Berry.

Polyunsaturated Fats

​Polyunsaturated fats have 2 or more double bonds and therefore lack 4 or more hydrogen atoms. The two most commonly found are double unsaturated Linoleic Acid with 2 double bonds and triple unsaturated Linolenic Acid with 3 double bonds. (Say those 3 times fast!) Your body cannot make these two fats and so they are considered essential fatty acids (EFA's). These fats remain liquid even when refrigerated. These oils are highly reactive and will go rancid very quickly, particularly Linolenic Acid. They should never be used in cooking or heated. (Seriously Don't Cook With These)

Long Chain Fatty Acids

There should be a balance of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet. An excess of Omega 6 will cause degenerative heart disease, and so must be balanced in a ratio of 3:1 Omega 3:Omega 6. (FYI: Commercially raised meat has a much higher percentage of Omega 6 to Omega 3. Grass fed, and wild game are balanced.) Omega 6's are general inflammatory in nature and, yes, we do need them. They cause beneficial inflammatory responses that help us fight pathogens, and heal. But when they are not in check with a proper balance of Omega 3's they can can excessive inflammatory reactions in the body. 

 Linoleic Acid (Omega 6): 18 Carbon Chain fat that is found in vegetable oils Gamma Linolenic Acid (Omega 6): 18 Carbon Chain found in Evening Primrose Oil or converted from Linoleic Acid
           
 Alpha Linolenic Acid (Omega 3): 18 Carbon Chain fat found in Flax Seeds. This form of Omega 3 must be converted into usable forms

Very Long Chain Fatty Acids

These fats have 20-24 Carbon atoms and tend to be highly polyunsaturated with up to 6 double bonds. Some people are able to make these fats from the EFA's, but other, especially those whose ancestories ate a lot of fish, lack the enzymes to produce them. These people must obtain the elongated fatty acids from animal foods alone, like organ meat, eggs, butter, and fish. 
              
Dihomo-Gama-Linolenic Acid (DGLA): You don't hear a whole heck of a lot on this fat, BUT it is nonetheless important. It is a 20 Carbon chain with 3 double  bonds. A type of Omega 6 fatty acid that is found to have anti-inflammatory   effects IF and ONLY IF there is a proper amount of Omega 3 in the diet (it gets really complicated from here). Why? The same enzyme used to break down Omega 3 is the same one used to break down DGLA into chemical AA (good EFA important during pregnancy) which in turn converts into Prostaglandin 2  to increase the inflammatory response. (PHEEWWWW that was a mouth full,  Did I lose anyone?) SO, if all of the enzyme is used up working on Omega 3,  there isn't enough to create AA or PG2, thereby reducing and preventing the  inflammatory response. Instead DGLA is converted into an anti-inflammatory PG1. (Still with me?) This type of Omega 6 is created in the body by Gamma-Linolenic Acid
             
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): A 20 Carbon, 5 double bond Omega 3 Fatty Acid. This fat is a precursor to Prostaglandin 3, which inhibits platelet aggregation. It is  best consumed as fish or fish oils (cold-pressed please). It can be converted in the body from Alpha Linolenic Acid, BUT only if the proper enzymes are  available to break in down. (Often lacking in Diabetics, and Vegans)
             
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): This 22 carbon, 5 double bond Omega 3 Fatty Acid is a all the rage right now. It is the big talk in the fat world, and for good reason.  Most animals make very little of this fat through ALA conversion. It is primarily obtained through direct consumption in our diets. (bring on the meat). DHA is  the primary fat composition of sperm, brain phospholipids, and the eyes. Its found in fish, fish oils, and algae primarily. But is also high in grass fed meat,  and wild game.
​There are so many more fats in our diets. Some good, and some bad. I tried to touch on the most important ones to us as far as what are the good fats and where to find them. So, when you are cooking take a look at the fats you are using and make sure they are qualified for the type of cooking you are doing. I got a little more in depth on the Omegas, because there is  A LOT of confusion around those, especially Omega 6, which can be both good and bad for you. I hope that my explanation of the role of Omega 3 in that conundrum was clear. If you have questions email me.

  1. Malhotra A, Redburg RF, Meier P. "Saturated fat does not clog the arteries: coronary artery disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, the risk of which can be effectively reduced from healthy lifestyle interventions." BMJ: 25 April 2017. doi 10,1136/bjsports-2016-097285

15 Comments
Ana
4/17/2019 08:49:04 pm

Very nice post, thank you! So, if I’m supplementing with EPO in the last weeks of pregnancy, should I supplement on fish oil too? I regularly eat salmon (not wild, unfortunately), tuna and sardines (weekly), flax oil, walnuts (occasionally), flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp protein and olive oil (daily). I thought this should be enough (along with a nutrieent rich diet), but now I’m not sure... I am taking 1000-1500 mg of EPO daily.

Reply
Sarah Thompson link
4/19/2019 01:28:33 pm

Hi Ana,

I would highly recommend you read another one of my articles...https://www.sacredvesselacupuncture.com/educatethrive/is-it-safe-evening-primrose-for-labor-induction.

I don't recommend EPO or Fish Oil Supplements in the last weeks of pregnancy.

If you want to discuss your specific case, I offer phone consult virtual visits. Please call the office if you are interested.

Sarah

Reply
mark hold
7/4/2024 05:30:22 pm

One faithful day as i was watching a video on you tube i saw a comment of one MR PAUL HAVERSACK testifying of this great herbal healer doctor Moses Buba, That helped him enlarge his manhood .i was shocked and happy, so i quickly visited his website and emailed him within 30 mins he got back to me and told me all i need to buy and i did so after 4 days i received his herbal medicine ,he gave me instructions on how to use it ,as i am speaking to you people now after using the cream for just two weeks my manhood size is 10 inches long and 8.0 girth ,,am so happy and grateful for his work in my life thank you so much Doctor Moses buba ,,i also learnt he has cure for LOW SPERM COUNT,PREMATURE EJACULATION,ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION,HIV/AIDS VIRUS,DIABETES 1/2,HERPES DISEASE, CANCER, and lots more
website:https://bubaherbalmiraclem.wixsite.com/website
Facebook page ;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559577240930

Reply
Cheryl
7/11/2024 07:42:39 pm

My name is Cheryl Floyd. I am the happiest woman on the face of this earth. I am happy because of this man, a great spell who made my dreams come true. This is the handwork of Doctor Odunga. I contacted this man to help me save my marriage. My husband and I have been living without a child for 17 years and this has made me sort help in spells. I contacted Doctor Odunga and only him out of three spell casters did his work for me within 48 hours as he promised and I became pregnant with twins. I have been wanting to write this testimony for so long now when I became pregnant but I waited for the babies to be delivered and I am now a mother of twins, a boy and a girl. What else are you waiting for? Do you want a spell for pregnancy and solve fertility problems? Contact Doctor ODUNGA now at Email: [email protected] OR Whats App/Call +2348167159012 and he will talk to you directly.

Reply
william wirtz
8/1/2024 04:00:56 pm

I recommend you to get your herbal medicine through Herbal Miracle Medicine . He cured me from my herpes outbreak and now I am free . All thanks for your care and giving me my life back . If you are suffering from any illness you can get your medication from Doc Moses Buba on his .
email him on ( [email protected] )
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559577240930
website:https://bubaherbalmiraclem.wixsite.com/website

Reply
juana g brown
8/26/2024 03:44:29 pm

Must read! My names are Juana G Brown from US taxes, for a year now i have been living with this virus called HEPES VIRUS and i have been taking some medications from my and there was no improvement, All thanks to God almighty for using Dr Agbomian Sunday for curing my HERPES Virus with the help of his powerful root and herbs...Well i do not have much to say, with all my life i will for ever be grateful to him and God Almighty for using Dr Agbomian to reach me when i thought it is all over, today i am now happy after the medical doctor have confirmed my status Negative, i have never in my life believed that HEPES could be cure by any herbal medicine. so i want to use this medium to reach other persons who is suffering from any deadly disease you can contact Dr Agbomian on his email: [email protected]

Reply
moupay martins
10/29/2024 07:02:38 am

i was heartbroken because I had a very small manhood , not nice to satisfy a woman, I had so many relationships cut off because of my situation, I have used so many products which i found online but none could offer me the help I searched for. I saw some comments about this specialist called Dr Moses Buba and decided to email him at [email protected] so I decided to give his herbal product a try. i emailed him and he got back to me, he gave me some comforting words with his herbal pills for manhood Enlargement, Within 14days of it, i began to feel the enlargement of my manhood , " and now it just 2 weeks of using his products my manhood is about 9 inches longer and i am so happy, contact DR Moses Buba now via email [email protected] or his WhatsApp number +2349060529305 . contact him through his Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559577240930 may God reward you for your good work . For more info i can help to explain the medication +44 7375301397

HE ALSO RENDERED THE FOLLOWING ........1. BRING YOUR EX BACK........... 2. LOTTERY SPELL......... 3. PREGNANCY SPELL ..........4. WEAK ERECTION ............5. POOR EJACULATION..........

Reply
Becky Elise
11/6/2024 09:56:40 am

Do not contact any other spell caster to help you so that you will not fall into the wrong hands. Contact Dr Odunga at [email protected] to help you with your fertility, ex back, a love spell, a herbal medicinal cure or lottery winning numbers and you will get awesome results. I met this man through a testimony online and it has been a wonderful experience of a lifetime. I am very happy I did. He helped me get pregnant. I am Becky Elise but my friends call me Ann. I am from Florida, US. I have contacted 3 spell casters before I met Dr Odunga. I would have been through my pain for the past 5 years trying to find the right spell caster who can help me with my problem. I have been married to my husband for 18 years and I have not had one single issue. No woman on earth will be happy about this. I did all I could to hold a home until I started seeking help from spell casters. I had gone to various hospitals here in Florida and they said my womb cannot conceive a child. I have spent thousands of dollars finding a solution until I met DR ODUNGA. I feel like shedding tears at this point. My problem is gone. I can boldly say my problem is gone for the past 18 years of marriage. I am now a mother of twins. If you are reading this testimony, you will share with me my Joy. Contact this spell caster at [email protected] or also Email: [email protected]

Reply
Laura Schneider
11/21/2024 04:20:40 pm

Everyone really needs to start
seeing the value and usefulness of
natural herbs medications. I'm thrilled
with an overwhelming sensation, i finally
got rid of my Herpes with the natural
medicine ordered from Dr Agbonhale it's
indeed an amazing work you're doing
Dr Agbonhale, I'm glad l trusted your herbs i
love you ❤️❤️
Also Have permanent herbal cure for
1) High-Blood pressure
2) Diabetes
3) PCOS
4) HPV e.t.c Contact him, He is 100%
reliable. Via Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp +2349073130326
website/ https://dr-agbonhale-herbal-home.jimdosite.com/

Reply
Jacqueline
12/31/2024 11:39:18 am

My name is Jacqueline Hedges. I never believed I would be cured by a spell caster who specializes in herbal cure and magical spells. I am talking about the help Doctor Odunga gave to me. I have been cured of herpes HPV which has plagued me for over 2 years. I am very happy to tell others that if you want to be cured or get your ex back spells and get pregnant naturally, even financial blessing through lottery, there is only one place to be and that is with Dr Odunga Spell Temple. You should contact him now to help you within 24 hours with your problem at his Email: [email protected] and via Whats App his mobile number +2348167159012.

Reply
Lilian Jose
1/31/2025 07:46:37 am

I want to use this opportunity to testify of the marvelous work of Dr. Odunga and how he has helped me in curing my sickness and bringing happiness into my life. I can really vouch for Dr. Odunga in herbal treatment. I was suffering from Cervical Cancer and infected with HPV 16. I used to have incessant bleeding and there was nothing I could do until a childhood friend introduced me to Dr. Odunga Remedies. I spoke with him and ordered his recommended medication which was delivered to me through DHL. Immediately I began using the herbal medicine, within a  week I couldn't feel any pain. It took me 2 weeks to finish the medicine and afterwards I was completely cured. I highly recommend that you contact him to help you at his email [email protected] OR What'sApp/Call him at +2348167159012

He is 100% reliable to help you too.

Reply
James Turley
2/5/2025 02:52:33 am

I was really stressed by Erectile dysfunction issues and had consulted Dr Moses Buba. He gave us a thorough consultation and the medicines were equally effective. In a couple of weeks there was big improvement in me and we are very pleased with the progress. We cannot thank Dr Moses Buba enough. Highly recommended.you can reach him via Email [email protected] WhatsApp +2349060529305. you can also reach on his Facebook page ; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559577240930 / website page https://bubaherbalmiraclem.wixsite.com/website

Reply
micheal pevet link
3/7/2025 03:04:31 pm

NATURAL WAY TO GET HERPES1&2 CURED. If you have been looking for ways to naturally get rid of the herpes simplex virus from your body completely, then you are welcome to read further. Let's face reality here, you have tried so many counter drugs and you are confused, weak and angry because nothing seems to work. Good News For you my friend.... Yes, I came with good news that will liberate you from the pains and stress of herpes outbreak, you will get total cure from this virus using Dr. MOSES BUBA Herbal Methodology. Who is Dr. MOSES BUBA? You may ask. Dr. MOSES BUBA is a herbalist and a naturalist. He researched and identified some herbs and established a unique methodology to healing the human body using Herbal medicine that was confidently entrenched in his over 30 years of experience. According to him, he has the cure for so many diseases/virus like GENITAL HERPES, HIV, DIABETES, CANCER, HPV, HSV1&2, GENITAL WART, SHINGLES, VAGINAL INFECTION and so many more. You can reach Dr MOSES BBUBA on his email: [email protected] / WhatsApp +2349060529305 . You can also contact him through his website: https://bubaherbalmiraclem.wixsite.com/website. Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559577240930 . I am using this medium to inform everyone how to get treated of herpes using Dr MOSES BUBA recommended Herbal methodology.

Reply
GUFF jack
4/19/2025 05:36:28 am

Holy s**t. Sorry for the language but I cant believe i stumbled across a comment while scouring the internet. I am suffering from erectile dysfunction, which was the same situation i found on the post ,Then I Connected with the email , i saw on the internet . i ordered mine and same with me today am cured , i am now a full man , enjoying my sex life and also got manhood enlarger , now my wife do scream on me and enjoy every part of me , if you also need his assistance , You meant go through his website; https://bubaherbalmiraclem.wixsite.com/website . Or reach him via mail ; [email protected] or WhatsApp ; +2349060529305 or his Facebook Page ;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559577240930 . AND THANK ME LATER . REACH ME FOR ADVICE +12044101902

Reply
Tamino
5/9/2025 11:46:34 am

Cancer, can be treated and cured permanently but only few believe it,, but I was among those who never believed it until doctor herbal cured me of Cancer, I had Cancer for two years and it was eating me one day I found a testimony of someone testifying to the great work of Dr Moses Buba who cured him of Cancer, I was thinking since this man can cure Cancer then . must be able to cure my Cancer too and to my greatest surprise he really cured me of Cancer, I only message him on his email( [email protected] ) and he replied me and we discussed then he sent me the medicine and today am Cancer free... All thanks to you Dr Moses Buba the herbalist.. Thank you. Contact Dr Moses Buba for any help
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559577240930

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    Acupuncture
    Allergies And Asthma
    Anxiety & Depression
    Birth Control
    Cancer
    Candida
    Chinese Medicine
    Endometriosis
    Fertility
    General Health
    Hormones
    Immune Health
    Inflammation
    Menorrhagia
    Mental Health
    Microbiome
    Nutrition
    PCOS
    Pregnancy
    Prenatal Nutrition

    RSS Feed

Schedule an Appointment
Patient Portal
Online Pharmacy
See Current Course List

Explore

The Team
Services
Books
Downloads
Articles
Contact Us

Address/Contact

2001 S. Shields St, H-101
​Fort Collins, CO 80526
​[email protected]
(970) 631-8119
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
​Copyright © 2025 Sacred Vessel Acupuncture LLC., All rights reserved
Photos from kthread, Smabs Sputzer, cottonseedoil, fourpointgo, hill.josh, Lizard10979, mrgreen09, nosha, Pai Shih
  • Home
  • The Team
    • Meet Sarah
    • Meet Ariel
    • Meet Lexi
  • Services
    • Functional Medicine
    • Maternity Functional Medicine
    • Acupuncture & TCM
    • Nutrition
  • Books/Downloads
  • PATIENT PORTAL
  • Articles
  • Contact Us