In today’s society, fats are considered as bad and evil, but the truth is, our bodies need fat. Our hearts need fat to pump blood through your circulatory system. Our brain needs it to function and process information. Our endocrine system needs fat to produce and regulate hormones.

So, why does fat have such a bad wrap?

Today, we talk all about fats - from ‘the alphas’ to the omegas and everything in between. We discuss why fats are critical for our bodies to function properly and the difference between “good fats” and “bad fats.” We discuss where to find healthy sources of fat like omega-3s and healthy antioxidants, the importance of measuring the ratio between omega-3s and omega-6s, and the target ratio most consumers should strive for. We also explain why the body may - or may not - create an adequate amount of EPA and DHA on its own, even when we consume an adequate amount of essential fatty acids and how certain levels of fatty acids can indicate a patient is at risk for experiencing a cardiac event.

“It’s all about healthy sources of fats. It’s all about balance.” - Patti Devers

This week on The Lab Report Podcast:

• Why your body needs fat and how it uses fats to function properly
• The difference between good fats and bad fats
• The main sources of dietary fats
• Why grass-fed beef is a healthier source of good fats
• The difference between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Measuring the omega-3s and omega-6s and the ratio goal you should strive for
• The two essential metabolic fatty acids
• Sources of ‘good’ saturated fats and why our bodies need healthy sources of saturated fats
• Why not all trans-fats are not created equal
• How consuming high levels of omega-3 fatty acids while taking fish oil supplements can act as a blood thinner
• Pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids vs anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids
• How the insulin hormone stimulates the conversion of DGLA into arachidonic acid
• The various ways to measure fatty acids and which method is most accurate
• Cardiovascular biomarkers that can indicate risk of patient’s experiencing a cardiac event
• How to quickly and effectively increase your omega-3 index beyond food choices

Question of the Day:

• With the variety of fish oils on the market, where do you start to increase your omega-3 fatty acid intake?

Subscribe, Rate & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts, Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and give us a rating and review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most pressing questions on functional medicine.

And be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

For medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment, please consult a medical professional.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.