Trim the Fat

What role do fats play in a whole food, plant-based diet? Are plant-based oils, like olive and coconut, a healthy addition, or should they be avoided? These articles explore everything you want to know about fats and their various plant-based forms.

You’ve probably heard about essential fatty acids. And you’re undoubtedly familiar with the omega-3s and omega-6s. But you might be a bit vague about what exactly they are—and how they can affect your health. In this article, we will dive deep into this subject.

Let’s face it…seeds are not always ‘top of mind’ when it comes to plant-based eating. But they definitely should be. Because seeds (and very specifically the flaxseed) are little jewels of nutritional magic. Learn what the research says and how to use flaxseed in your plant-based diet.

Although chia seeds have been around for centuries, they have remained somewhat obscure until recent years. Today, it feels like everyone is talking about chia seeds. And more importantly, everyone is eating them. Its newfound popularity can be explained in part by the fact that the chia seed is a nutritional powerhouse. Let’s take a minute to see what all the fuss is about.

Among the many myths that swirl around food these days, fish oil consumption is a recurring one. Over the years, fish oil has gained an unassailable reputation as a cure-all, protecting against heart disease, fending off arthritis and diabetes, and improving cognition and mood. In this article, we are going to sort out the fact from fiction when it comes to fish oil.

Considered by many as a staple in any serious kitchen, olive oil has also achieved mythic stature as the ultimate healthy ingredient, protecting us from heart disease. But does olive oil really deserve its ‘heart healthy’ reputation? In this article, we explore the real truth about olive oil in depth.

With its reputation as a quick energy fix and a weight loss aid, coconut oil seems to do it all. But are these healing properties real, or is dietary coconut oil simply an overvalued—and potentially unhealthful—fad? In this article we explore the truth about coconut oil as it relates to saturated fat levels, weight loss, cholesterol and Alzheimer’s.

Obesity. The statistics are alarming. More than two-thirds of adults in America are considered to be overweight or obese, with 1 in 20 suffering from extreme obesity. Obesity is linked to a myriad of chronic, life-threatening diseases including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. It’s also expensive; the estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the US is over $147 billion. Our ‘fat problem’ is nothing short of an epidemic. In this article we seek to answer one simple question: what makes us fat?

In this article, we explore the very important relationship between saturated fat intake and the onset of diabetes. We will take a deep dive to fully understand why there is such a strong link between diabetes and saturated fat consumption and discuss how a plant-based diet may protect you from (or even reverse!) the disease.

Have you ever wondered what a trans fat really is? Well, you are not alone. The subject of trans fat can be confusing and is often misunderstood. The goal of this article is to help clarify the most common questions about trans fats. We will explain what they are, how they are made, and what makes them different from other fats. We will also explore why they are bad for us and show you ways to avoid eating them once and for all.

Cholesterol must get the prize when it comes to nutrition controversy…and confusion. There are a million myths and questions that swirl around this subject: What exactly is cholesterol anyway? What is ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol? How does cholesterol affect your health? What are the ideal cholesterol levels? And finally… What is the best way to control my cholesterol levels? In this article, we will answer all of these questions and much more.