You betcha! But I am talking about the right kinds of fats such as the amazing Omegas. Omega 3’s in particular which are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, cod and and oils made from flax and hemp seeds. Omega 3 fats raise your metabolism, help flush water from your kidneys, and lower your triglyceride levels. These fatty acids also increase the activity of carnitine to help your body burn fat better. (The Fat Flush Plan, Ann Louise Gittleman). Not only does this liquid gold burn fat but it also gives a feeling of fullness, satisfaction and more energy! And most of us do not get enough essential fatty acids from foods hence the increase in sales of these important fats among health conscious people.

Essential fatty acids are necessary for your body’s biochemical processes and without them your body senses a famine and begins to convert more carbohydrates into fat, turning it into a fat-producing machine (fatsforhealth.com).

Eating processed foods that contain hydrogenated trans-fats to further shelf life, consuming margarine, eating a diet high in sugar and alcohol all interfere with proper absorption of essential fatty acids, particularly the Omega 3’s.

Deficiencies in essential fatty acids not only help us burn fat but also aid in the following conditions:

• Memory loss
• High blood pressure
• Elevated triglycerides
• Dementia
• Chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Insulin resistance (syndrome X) leading to type 2 diabetes
• Itchy, dry skin and skin disorders such as eczema
• Hormone imbalances
• Behavior problems such as ADD, ADHD, bi-polar and depressive disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Fibromyalgia

It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet, as these two substances work together to promote health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. An inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the development of disease while a proper balance helps maintain and improve health. A healthy diet should consist of roughly 2 – 4 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The typical American diet tends to contain 14 – 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, and many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the United States.

So if you want to drop those extra unwanted pounds and enjoy a disease-free existence filled with vitality, cut those empty carbs down (sugar, white flour, white rice, etc.), reduce your intake of saturated fats (butter, fatty meats), avoid processed foods which contain hydrogenated fats and add some of these healthy fats back into your diet!