Who asked you to avoid fat like the plague? Listen up. Fats don’t make you ‘fat’. If anything, they put the bulge on backpedal. It’s those three-simple-words that unchain the fallacy – Essential Fatty Acids. These are healthy fats, or what we famously call The Omega fats. Let’s take you back to school and make you learn your lipids (skin’s natural fat) to orchestrate your omegas. ’Cause if balanced right; they don’t just undo your well-padded, jelly belly but also have the power to maintain the strength of the skin’s protective barrier and aid the natural repair process. Also know that you need them more than they need you; as your body can’t produce them all.
Here is all you need to know about good fat foods and healthy fats sources for holistic well-being:
1. Omega 3
Aka Linolenic acids, these are polyunsaturated fats that are the building blocks of cell membranes. So, imagine the extent to which it stimulates your skin and hair. They’re famous for hydrating, retaining moisture and maintain elasticity of the skin. Topical application lessens UV-induced photo damage, inflammatory responses, ageing and staves off wrinkles. Although root for the animal-sourced long-chain omegas (EPA and DHA) over plant-based short-chain omegas (ALAs) as they powerfully regulate skin’s oil production.
Storehouses: Fish, Nuts, plant-based oils including Canola Oil and Sunflower Oils, Wild Salmon, Fish, Olive Oil, Garlic, Grass-Fed Beef, Algae Oils, Sardines, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Walnuts, Flaxseeds and its oil, Chia Seeds and more.
Get stocking: HealthAid Omega 3 750mg, HealthKart Omega 3 1000mg 90 Softgels and Soulflower Coldpressed Olive Carrier Oil
2. Omega 6
Just like omega-3, even these polyunsaturated acids are essential since our body can’t produce them. Also known as Linoleic Acids, these light-in-consistency oils nourish, protect, restore the skin’s barrier function and reduce scaling. If you’re tackling acne, it’s ’cause you show low levels of this acid in your body. And if you have oily skin, these oils work to your advantage. Just know that they oxidize soon and come with a short-shelf life.
Storehouses: Meat, Poultry, Dairy, Eggs, Nuts, Plant and Vegetable Based Oils like Canola, Corn, Soybean, Sunflower, Canola, Corn, Peanut, Safflower, Soybean and Sunflower Oils.
Get stocking: L'Oreal Professionnel Aminexil Advanced Aminexil+Omega 6, Khadi Pure Herbal Walnut Shampoo SLS-Paraben Free, Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Extract With Essential Oils
3. Omega 5
This unsung hero, Punicic Acid, is no minor leaguer. Sourced purely from pomegranates, it works overtime regenerating skin cells, produces collagen, protects from sun-damage, is age-defying, deeply hydrates and is loaded with antioxidants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Top all that with fighting skin cancer. Phew!
Storehouses: (Punica granatum) Pomegranate and its seed oil.
Get stocking: Innisfree Jeju Pomegranate Revitalizing Essence, It's Skin The Fresh Mask Sheet – Pomegranate, Natural Bath & Body Brown Sugar Pomegranate After Bath Milk
4. Omega 7
Another unassuming Omega that dictates a round of applause. That it’s known as Palmitoleic Acid can be puzzling since it’s got nothing to do with Palm oil. If anything, Seabuckthorn Berry oil and Macadamia nuts are its major leaguers. These monounsaturated fats have an upper hand as they’re rare in the plant kingdom and even scarcer in the animal world. They treat your skin inside-out and play a vital role in keeping skin, hair and nails healthy. This anti-melanogenic agent restores the natural omega balance, protects and aids healing of cells – especially for dry skin. It’s not hailed as the Beauty Omega for nothing.
Storehouses: Seabuckthorn berry oil and Macadamia Nuts.
Get stocking: INLIFE Seabuckthorn Seed Oil, 500mg, 30 Veg Caps, The Face Shop Daily Perfume Hand Cream 07 Macadamia, Nykaa Naturals Pure Cold Pressed Sea Buckthorn Carrier Oil
5. Omega 9
Unlike Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, our body can produce omega-9 fatty acids. However, that doesn’t put a stop to its benefits when consumed. These rich-in-density, naturally available, non-essential Oleic acids are extra-occlusive and seal in moisture rather well. Quick to absorb into dry skin, they pack a punch with antioxidants and improves skin elasticity, besides treating rashes and disorders and has the longest shelf life. What’s not to like?
Storehouses: Sunflower, Hazelnut, Safflower, Macadamia Nuts, Soybean Oil, Olive Oil, Canola Oil, Almond Butter, Avocado Oil, Argan Oil, Peanut Oil, Corn Oil, Sesame, Cucumber, Acai, Beef, Dry Coconut, Hard Cheese And Others.
Get stocking: The Body Shop Olive Nourshing Dry Oil For Body & Hair Oil, The Nature's Co. Olive-Avocado Massage Oil, Nyassa Almond Butter Soap
