12/02/2026
🥑 FAT: The most misunderstood macronutrient
Fat is not your enemy.
Fat is not “just stored calories.”
Fat is a critical macronutrient your body needs to function.
When we fear fat too much or cut it too low, health suffers.
Here’s why fat matters 👇
✨ Vitamin absorption
Vitamins A, D, E & K are fat-soluble.
No fat → poor absorption → deficiencies, even with a “healthy” diet.
✨ Hormonal health (especially for women)
Fat is a building block of hormones like estrogen & progesterone.
Too little fat can lead to: • Irregular or missed periods
• Low libido
• Mood swings
• Fertility issues
✨ Brain & mental health
Your brain is ~60% fat.
Essential fats support memory, focus, mood, and nervous system health.
✨ Skin, hair & nails
Healthy fats maintain the skin’s lipid barrier.
Low fat intake = dry skin, hair fall, brittle nails.
✨ Immunity & inflammation control
Omega-3 and omega-6 fats help regulate inflammation and immune response.
✨ Satiety & metabolism
Fat keeps you full and satisfied.
Too little fat often leads to: • Constant hunger
• Sugar cravings
• Metabolic slowdown
🧠 Not all fats are equal
✔ Monounsaturated fats (MUFA) – heart-friendly
• Olive oil
• Mustard oil
• Nuts, seeds, avocado
✔ Polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) – essential
• Omega-3: fatty fish, flax, mustard oil
• Omega-6: nuts, seeds, vegetable oils
⚠ Limit, don’t fear
• Saturated fat:
– Men ≤ 30 g/day
– Women ≤ 20 g/day
• Trans fats: as low as possible
Many of us Bengalis, especially health-conscious people, now choose olive oil over mustard oil, believing it to be “healthier.”
But nutrition is not that simple.
Sometimes, blind faith in poorly interpreted science — mixed with economic interests — may not serve public health well.
The mustard oil ban is a classic example.
In the 1970s, some animal studies used unrealistically high doses of erucic acid and raised concerns about heart health.
Based on this limited data, the US and parts of Europe restricted mustard oil as a cooking oil.
As Bengalis (and Indians), our food traditions evolved with climate, lifestyle & digestion.
💬 No oil is healthy if overused.
No traditional oil becomes dangerous just because it doesn’t fit Western culinary norms.
Let’s respect science, culture, and moderation❤️😇
⚠️Not medical advice