Feeling overwhelmed trying to choose the best foods and ingredients to nourish yourself and your family? You’re not alone. Health food fads pop up in the news and social media feeds constantly, and what’s “best” for us today, may not be so great in a few months.

Eating in the information age isn’t easy, so it’s important to remember the natural foods that stand the test of time – that nourish deeply and sustain our health.

Dietary fats have come a long way. Traditionally across many cultures, fats were once the most prized part of a hunt or harvest for the taste and energy-enhancing sustenance. But in the mid-20^th century, fats got a bad reputation for their perceived links to cardiovascular disease and obesity. This fat phobia persisted for decades until recently, and now the nutritional experts are championing their vital role to our health.

We need dietary fats for energy, for healthy connective and nervous tissue, for absorption of essential vitamins, maintaining stable blood sugar levels, hormonal health, and the list goes on. Not only that – they make our food taste better!

Some fats and oils are healthier than others, not to mention the confusion regarding safety, purity and sustainability. What’s the real skinny on cooking with fats?

The Healthy Trinity of Oils

Among the many oils available today, there are some that stand out for their flavour, aroma and health-giving benefits. We’ve provided a short list of the healthiest fats to clear up any burning questions.

Ghee originated in ancient India and is made by removing water and milk solids from unsalted butter. The result is a nutty and nutrient-rich, clarified butter that can also be enjoyed by those with dairy sensitivities. The many health benefits of ghee include:

• energy-boosting saturated fats and beneficial fatty acids
• reduced inflammation and gut health support
• improved ability to absorb vitamins

Coconut Oil has been riding a huge wave of popularity – and for good reason. Derived from the “meat” of mature ripe coconuts, coconut oil is a nutritious, clear and aromatic oil with a mild, delicate flavour, that:

• is easily and quickly digested
• promotes healthy weight loss
• improves absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids
• supports stronger, healthier bones

Coconut oil is also used to naturally formulate MCT oil – a balanced blend of fatty acids that enhances the production of ketones – organic compounds your brain uses for energy, faster than other fats or oils.

Olive Oil is revered as a staple of the much-acclaimed Mediterranean diet, widely recognized for its culinary versatility and as a healing oil that:

• raises the body’s good cholesterol
• is rich in antioxidants

Best of all – these healthy sources of dietary fats boost the flavour and absorption of nutrients from your entire diet!

Introducing 52 Fields, Wholesome Foods from our Family to Yours

52 Fields line of healthy foods can be used every day, with wholesome, natural ingredients that make it easy to prepare delicious meals, fortified with nourishment.

When consuming healthy fats – quality is paramount. Using fats from the best sources which are extracted with careful techniques, guarantees a quality product derived from premium, sustainable sources.

52 Fields Coconut and MCT oils are:

• made from fresh coconuts de-husked, cold-pressed and filtered
• made from small batches for premium quality
• sourced from Fair Trade farms that respect local biodiversity
• unrefined and non-hydrogenated
• Paleo & Keto friendly

52 Fields Natural Ghee and Organic Ghee come from:

• 100% Canadian Grass fed, and pasture raised dairy
• dairy with no antibiotics or hormones
• Paleo & Keto friendly

52 Fields Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is

• made in small batches with only certified organic olives
• packaged in dark amber glass to prevent degradation

There’s a 52 Fields wholesome food to suit your taste, health goals and lifestyle, with single-ingredient pure oils, and healthful blends. Every oil is carefully sourced, extracted, preserved and delivered fresh to your kitchen with the promise of:

Versatility. Looking to boost your morning coffee? DIY a salad dressing? Find a better substitute for your baking recipe or simply use a healthier cooking oil? There is a 52 Fields ghee or oil blend that is perfect for you – as well as organic options.

Nourishment. Sourcing, quality, and pride in tradition offers you the most potent nutritional benefits from time-honoured, delicious, health-giving fats.

At 52 Fields we believe that “food is medicine” and the principles of simplicity in nourishment for healthy living – as nature intended.

References

Geliebter A. (1983). Overfeeding with medium-chain triglyceride diet results in diminished deposition of fat. Am J Clin Nutr. 1983 Jan;37(1):1-4. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6849272

German JB1, Dillard CJ. (2004). Saturated fats: what dietary intake? Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Sep;80(3):550-9. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15321792

Rader, Daniel J. (2017). Mediterranean Approach to Improving High-Density Lipoprotein Function. Circulation. 2017;135:644–647Retrieved from: https://ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/circulationaha.117.026278

Razquin CA, et al. (2009) 3 years follow-up of a Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil is associated with high plasma antioxidant capacity and reduced body weight gain. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009 Dec;63(12):1387-93. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19707219

About the Author: St. Francis Herb Farm

St. Francis Herb Farm has been formulating herbal remedies of the utmost quality and integrity since 1977—remedies rooted in the traditions of herbal folklore and supported by latest science. Learn more about St. Francis Herb Farm at stfrancisherbfarm.com